COVID-19 and its relationship with sociodemographic factors in the pre-vaccination period in Tucumán Province, Argentina, 2020-2021

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The population impact of COVID-19 can be explained by socio-demographic factors and the intervention responses. The objective was to evaluate it in the province of Tucumán in the pre-vaccination stage. Incidence, lethality and mortality of COVID-19 at province and department level were analyzed, identifying associated socio-demographic factors. METHODS: An observational ecological study was conducted in Tucumán using secondary data sources. The period of study was from March 2020 to March 2021. RESULTS: There was an incidence rate of COVID-19 of 4941 per 100000 inhabitants and a mortality rate of 93.29 per 100000 inhabitants. The incidence of cases was similar among males and females, and the age group between 30 and 49 years showed the highest rates. Mortality and lethality were higher in men than in women, and in both sexes the age group of 80 years and over presented the highest rates. At department level, Capital, Tafí Viejo, Cruz Alta and Yerba Buena had the highest incidence rates. Burruyacú, Monteros and Trancas had the highest mortality and lethality rates. The incidence of cases was affected by population density and by the percentage of people living in households with an unsatisfied basic need. DISCUSSION: This work highlights the importance of knowing the structure, functionality and identity of cities to better understand their resilience and adaptation capacity in the face of events such as COVID-19.