Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Services Utilization in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Healthcare system in Oman strives to maintain a high-quality performance during COVID-19 pandemic. Limited data exist on the population proportion affected by delayed health care. This chapter aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare services provided by Ministry of Health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on health services utilization MOH health facilities at all levels in all governorates of Oman. The yearly (outpatient) OPD visits and inpatient volume in health facilities were analyzed before and during the COVID-19 outbreak using nationwide routine health information system data from January 2019 to December 2020. Results: In the months before the COVID-19 outbreak, a positive trend in patterns of healthcare utilization was observed. After the COVID-19 outbreak, significant reductions in all indicators were noted. The average of all-cause outpatient visits per capita got reduced dramatically by 33.9%. The bed occupancy rate got reduced by 21.5%. The mortality indicators got worsened as the crude death rate per 1,000 population increased by 18.5%. Conclusion: Health services utilization in Oman declined significantly after the COVID-19 outbreak. While addressing unmet need remains a priority, studies of health impacts of reductions may help Oman healthcare system reduce unnecessary care in the post-pandemic recovery.