COVID-19 and social vulnerability: descriptive study about a case series in Gran Buenos Aires

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 constitutes a global public health problem, in Argentina and Buenos Aires province. Populations with social vulnerability have a fragility which exposes them to greater risks. OBJECTIVE: To describe  the evolution of the COVID-19 confirmed cases that reside in the Gran Buenos Aires, locating them in areas with  different social characteristics categorized by socioterritorial vulnerability, since the beginning of the pandemic until July 15th of  2020. METHODS: Descriptive study of transverse cut. Variables of gender, age, disease evolution and domicile were analyzed  and categorized through the socio-territorial vulnerability index (STVI). RESULTS: Most cases are in the age range  between 20 and 59 years, 48% was female. 47% of the study cases were from vulnerable areas. 28% of the confirmed cases  required hospitalization. The 3.8% of the total confirmed cases reached intensive care. Non-vulnerable cases had a greater  need for intensive care. The fatality rate was 3,5%, higher in men and residents of non-vulnerable areas, showing a statistically  significant difference in relation to those belonging to vulnerable areas. A statistically significant excess fatality was observed in  those under 60 years of age. DISCUSSION: A higher risk was observed in ICU admissions and fatality in the non-vulnerable  population group.