Impact of SARS on Population Mortality in Toronto
Author Information
Author(s): Stephen W. Hwang, Angela M. Cheung, Rahim Moineddin, Chaim M. Bell
Primary Institution: Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michael's Hospital; University of Toronto
Hypothesis
Did the infection control measures during the 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto affect overall population mortality?
Conclusion
The limitations on access to medical services during the 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto had no observable impact on short-term population mortality.
Supporting Evidence
- There were 8,619 deaths in the Greater Toronto Area during the SARS outbreak, similar to previous years.
- The rate ratio for all-cause mortality during the outbreak was 0.99 compared to 2002.
- An interrupted time series analysis found no significant change in mortality rates associated with the SARS outbreak.
Takeaway
During the SARS outbreak, people in Toronto didn't die more than usual, even though they couldn't get to the doctor as easily.
Methodology
The study used observational data from death registries and applied Poisson regression and interrupted time-series analysis to assess mortality rates.
Potential Biases
The study design was not randomized, which may introduce bias, although a control group was used.
Limitations
The study focused only on short-term mortality and did not assess longer-term health effects or morbidity.
Participant Demographics
The study analyzed mortality data from the Greater Toronto Area and the rest of Ontario, with populations of 2.9 million and 9.3 million, respectively.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
0.93–1.06
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website