Unmasking pandemic patterns: decoding the COVID-19’s impact on mortality in Italy with Generalized Gamma overdispersion model

The findings highlight the complex nature of COVID-19's impact on mortality in Italy. They reveal the temporal phases, regional disparities, and demographic vulnerabilities that contribute to the overall mortality picture. The overdispersion component indicates more significant variability and unpredictability of mortality patterns until 2023. This highlights the intricate interplay of factors, including healthcare capacity, viral mutations, and the effectiveness of public health responses. This study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and protective measures in the most affected groups.