Mortality experience of Indigenous Peoples in the COVID era – impact and discussions from Australia
Conference
64th ISI World Statistics Congress - Ottawa, Canada
Format: IPS Abstract
Keywords: mortality, quality
Session: IPS 341 - Mortality experience of Indigenous Peoples in the COVID era
Wednesday 19 July 10 a.m. - noon (Canada/Eastern)
Abstract
Since the start of the pandemic in Australia there have been challenges with data and information describing the impact upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. Nationally, there have been 312 associated deaths reported for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with 571 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cases admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) reported around the country up until the 15th of January 2023 (1). Known differences in severe cases (those who are admitted to ICU or who have died) has included the pre-existing conditions, strain, and jurisdiction. Challenges lie in the capacity to assess the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the health of the nation, with excess mortality estimates being higher than expected throughout 2022 and reaching up to 11% above the historical average (2). Considerations to accurately assess the impact of COVID-19 upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples include data quality across Indigenous status, case identification, hospitalisation, and mortality data. Potential approaches to developments in excess mortality may work to address some of the issues in the underreporting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander COVID-19 reporting.