RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Trends in COVID-19 JF Saudi Medical Journal JO Saudi Med J FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City SP 500 OP 507 DO 10.15537/smj.2022.43.5.20220088 VO 43 IS 5 A1 Nagham A. Mawlood A1 Riyadh K. Lafta YR 2022 UL http://smj.org.sa/content/43/5/500.abstract AB Objectives: To detect the epidemiological trend of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in Iraq, the distribution of cases by age, gender, and governorates, and to assess its burden on the health system by estimating morbidity and mortality rates.Methods: This biometric study was carried out in 2021. The distribution, incidence, mortality, and case fatality rates in a 17-month period was sketched in a biometric design. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to a number of decision makers in the Ministry of Health regarding health system challenges that have been faced during this pandemic.Results: More than half (55.1%) of the cases were among males, and 67.5% were in the age group 30-60 years. Mortality was also predominant among males (62.7%), and 50.0% of the deaths were in the age group >50 years. The predominant age group for both genders was 30-60 years. Case fatality rate was 1.2%; again higher among males (1.3% versus 1.1%).Conclusion: The trend of COVID-19 in Iraq showed 2 peaks, August-October 2020 and March-July 2021, with males being more affected by morbidity, mortality, and fatality. The main challenge faced by the Iraqi health system was the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases with limited bed capacity and medical equipment.