Mortality and potential years of life lost due to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Bahia, 2020-2022.

Objective: Estimate mortality indicators and impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers in Bahia in the period 2020-2022.

Methods: This is a descriptive study, with death data extracted from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. Population data were obtained from professional councils, the National Registry of Health Establishments and the Brazilian National Immunization Program Information System. The mortality rate was calculated and presented per 1,000 workers. Potential years of life lost and productive years of life lost due to COVID-19 were estimated. An analysis was carried out between mortality rates and the proportion of people vaccinated against COVID-19.

Results: Of the total number of deaths (n=403), the majority were female (63.3%), aged 40 or over (85.4%), of brown race/skin color (52.1%) and with secondary or technical education (48.1%). The highest mortality rates were observed among elderly/healthcare caregivers, health agents, veterinarians/zootechnicians, biologists and pharmacy/office attendants. Regarding the evolution of mortality, three waves were observed, with a reduction in deaths after the start of vaccination. In total, 6,771 potential years of life lost and 6,778 productive years of life lost were estimated, with a greater impact on women, in the 40-49 age group and in occupations that involved direct care.

Conclusion: The results showed the potential impact generated by COVID-19 on the healthcare workers in Bahia.