COVID-19 in children in the state of Pernambuco: Spatial analysis of confirmed severe cases and the Human Development Index
Amanda Priscila de Santana Cabral Silva, Eliane Rolim de Holanda, Paula Daniella de Abreu, Marcelo Victor de Arruda Freitas
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Health planning is required for the control and prevention of severe cases of COVID-19 in children. METHODS: Spatial analysis of severe COVID-19 cases in children of Pernambuco in the first six months of the pandemic and its autocorrelation with the Human Development Index was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 551 severe cases (39.4 cases/100,000 inhabitants) was initially concentrated in the metropolitan area, with later interiorization. The spatial autocorrelation of cases was identified. The bivariate analysis revealed alert regions in less developed municipalities (I=0.341; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the local particularities can assist in directing the priorities for decision making.