A survey on factors associated with COVID-19 deaths in Nepal



Technical working group consisting of members from IOM, NPHL, MoHP, EDCD, HEOC, CCMC in association with consultants from related fields were formed. After a series of consecutive meetings, the proposal was finalized for ethical approval. Currently, data collection is in progress.


2020 onwards


Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP)


All (Nationwide)


This study has been planned to assess the underlying factors associated with the COVID-19 mortality in Nepal. A retro-prospective study on COVID-19 deaths will be conducted in hospitals, isolation centers, and communities of Nepal. The preliminary data will be collected from Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) and COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC).

The clinical characteristics and associated comorbidities will be collected from the institution-based data for deaths that occurred in hospital/isolation centers. The mortality data in case of death at home will be collected using the verbal autopsy tool. To identify the social, behavioral and health system factors associated with COVID-19 deaths, the mortality cases at home will be followed and interviewed with the concerned caretaker/nearest relative.

The results from this study will provide an insight to the COVID-19 deaths in Nepal and hence help in addressing the urgent need to either amend or continue with the existing plans and policies for COVID-19. It will also aid in developing protocols and treatment guidelines for COVID-19 patients. This in turn will help the government in improving the quality of care of affected people, thereby decreasing the overall mortality due to COVID-19 in the future.


  • To explore the underlying cause(s) of the COVID-19 deaths in Nepal.
  • To explore the factors associated with the COVID-19 deaths in Nepal.

This study will identify the underlying cause(s) of deaths of COVID-19. The baseline characteristics (Age, Sex, Residence, Religion, Ethnicity) and the clinical factors (presentation, duration of illness, severity, comorbidities, smoking, treatments) associated with COVID-19 related deaths will be identified.