Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on children treated at the first level of care in Buenos Aires city, 2019-2020

Authors

  • Marina Alexandra Longordo Otero Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Cosme Argerich, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • María Clara Escaray Instituto de Neurociencia Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Erika Giaccardi Hospital General de Agudos José María Penna, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • María Luján Gómez Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Patricia Pascuali Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Juan Antonio Fernández, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires
  • Sabrina Schiavino Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Rocío Nahir Barrios Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Juan Antonio Fernández, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • Andrés Martín Pereira Ministerio de Salud, Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • María Jimena Aranda Secretaría de Salud, Municipalidad de San Martín, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Jorge Chaui Ministerio de Salud, Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Keywords:

COVID-19, Primary Health Care, Child Health, Immunization Schedules, Argentina

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, difficulties and/or interruptions in health services were reported in various countries, with the consequent risk to the health of the population. In Argentina, there is evidence of a decrease in vaccination coverage and the frequency of pediatric check-ups. METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out in three health centers in the city of Buenos Aires. The number of health check-ups and vaccination schedules, among other variables, were detailed in children born in 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: A total of 505 medical records were reviewed: 202 from 2019 and 303 from 2020. Children born in 2019 and 2020 presented a median of 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 3) health check-ups per patient between 0 and 6 months. Between 7 and 12 months, the median was 2 (IQR 2) in 2019, and in 2020 it was 1 (IQR 2). The 6-month vaccination schedule was complete in 32.68% (66) of the children born in 2019 and 34.65% (105) of those born in 2020. DISCUSSION: The decrease in the number of health check-ups between 7 and 12 months, in the screening studies and in the maternal serologies performed could be attributed to the change in social behavior due to the possibility of contagion and/or difficulties in the movement of people at the beginning of the pandemic. Unlike other studies, a decrease in vaccination coverage was not found in the population studied. 

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Published

17-08-2022

How to Cite

Longordo Otero , M. A., Escaray , M. C. ., Giaccardi , E. ., Gómez , . M. L. ., Pascuali , . P. ., Schiavino , S. ., … Chaui , J. (2022). Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on children treated at the first level of care in Buenos Aires city, 2019-2020 . Revista Argentina De Salud Pública, 14, e53. Retrieved from https://rasp.msal.gov.ar/index.php/rasp/article/view/788

Issue

Section

Health Interventions