The effect of socio-economic characteristics, vaccination information and geographical location on excess mortality from specific causes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were most severe during 2020 and 2021, leading to a substantial increase in observed mortality in the Netherlands. In this project we investigate the relationship between excess mortality and characteristics such as socio-economic variables, vaccination and neighborhood information for various causes of death. For each cause of death to be analyzed, we define a pre-pandemic mortality probability that depends on socio-economic variables. By using this as a basis for mortality during the pandemic, we can make reliable estimates of COVID-related excess mortality and determine to what extent it is related to socio-economic factors. We then apply survival models and other statistical methods to determine which factors have had the greatest impact on excess mortality. This information is valuable to better understand mortality during 2020 and 2021, but also for analysis in future years.