Impact of COVID-19 Preventative Measures on Otolaryngology in Taiwan: A Nationwide Study

Hsiao-Yun Cho, Chia-Hung Hung, Yi-Wei Kao, Ben-Chang Shia and Mingchih Chen ()
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Hsiao-Yun Cho: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, No. 69, Guizi Road, Taishan Distict, New Taipei City 24352, Taiwan
Chia-Hung Hung: Graduate Institute of Business Administration, College of Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, No. 510, Zhongzhen Road, Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
Yi-Wei Kao: Artificial Intelligence Development Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, No. 510, Zhongzheng Road, Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
Ben-Chang Shia: Graduate Institute of Business Administration, College of Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, No. 510, Zhongzhen Road, Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
Mingchih Chen: Graduate Institute of Business Administration, College of Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, No. 510, Zhongzhen Road, Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: Background: Taiwan always had low case rates of COVID-19 compared with other countries due to its immediate control and preventive measures. However, the effects of its policies that started on 2020 for otolaryngology patients were unknown; therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the nationwide database to know the impact of COVID-19 preventative measures on the diseases and cases of otolaryngology in 2020. Method: A case-compared, retrospective, cohort database study using the nationwide database was collected from 2018 to 2020. All of the information from outpatients and unexpected inpatients with diagnoses, odds ratios, and correlation matrix was analyzed. Results: The number of outpatients decreased in 2020 compared to in 2018 and 2019. Thyroid disease and lacrimal system disorder increased in 2020 compared to 2019. There was no difference in carcinoma in situ, malignant neoplasm, cranial nerve disease, trauma, fracture, and burn/corrosion/frostbite within three years. There was a highly positive correlation between upper and lower airway infections. Conclusions: COVID-19 preventative measures can change the numbers of otolaryngology cases and the distributions of the disease. Efficient redistribution of medical resources should be developed to ensure a more equitable response for the future.

Keywords: COVID-19; Taiwan; otolaryngology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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