Primary incidence patterns among the working-age population residing in the Volga Federal District during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: Considering the complex epidemiological situation, studying the primary incidence patterns among the working-age population is crucial for developing health risk management mechanisms. AIM: To analyze primary incidence patterns among the working-age population in the Volga Federal District during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using federal statistical surveillance data, absolute and relative primary incidence rates per 100,000 working-age individuals were calculated for the Russian Federation as a whole and for the Volga Federal District and its constituent regions from 2014 to 2021 across 15 ICD-10 disease classes. Median values (Me), the 25th and 75th percentiles [Q25; Q75], standard deviation (σ), and the growth rate of primary incidence levels relative to Me in 2020–2021 were determined. RESULTS: During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), changes in primary incidence rates among the working-age population in the regions of the Volga Federal District exhibited distinct regional characteristics. These changes were marked by a general upward trend in primary incidence rates across all diseases, particularly in respiratory diseases and COVID-19 itself. Significant variations in the rates of increase (and decrease) in primary incidence levels were identified across the regions of the district. In some regions, the healthcare system maintained a high level of adaptation to emergency epidemiological conditions. CONCLUSION: The identified regional incidence patterns among the working-age population can be utilized by public health authorities to improve the effectiveness of state measures aimed at reducing premature mortality and increasing life expectancy in the district’s population.