The impact of socioeconomic vulnerability on COVID-19 outcomes and social distancing in Brazil

• Main Author: Lins-Filho, Paulo Cardoso
• Publication Date: 2020
• Other Authors: Araújo, Millena Mirella Silva de, Macêdo, Thuanny Silva de, Melo, Maria Cecília Freire de, Ferreira, Andressa Kelly Alves, Silva, Elizabeth Louisy Marques Soares da, Freitas, Jaciel Leandro de Melo, Caldas Jr, Arnaldo de França
• Format: preprint
• Language: eng
• Source: SciELO Preprints
• Download full: https://preprints.scielo.org/index.php/scielo/preprint/view/1126
• topic: COVID-19; Disparidades nos Níveis de Saúde; Determinantes Sociais de Saúde; Pandemia; Status Socioeconômico; COVID-19; Health Status Disparities; Social Determinants of Health; Pandemic; Economic Status

Objective: To assess the impact and correlation of socioeconomic vulnerability on COVID-19 outcomes and social distancing in Brazil. Methods: The Gini Coefficient (GC), the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), epidemiological data on COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil, and the Social Distancing Index (SDI) were retrieved from online databases and assessed for each Brazilian state. Data was statistically analyzed through non-parametric tests and multiple linear regressions. Results: The mean values for the GC and SVI were 0.495 and 0.261, respectively. A positive statistically significant correlation between the socioeconomic indicators and the three variables related to the COVID-19 outbreak was found. States with very low social vulnerability presented fewer deaths per 100 thousand inhabitants due to COVID-19 than states with moderate social vulnerability. SVI was a predictor of accumulated cases, confirmed deaths, and social distancing in Brazilian states during COVID-19. Conclusions: The COVID-19 outcomes and SDI in Brazilian states are correlated to the socioeconomic condition. The pandemic impacts are more severe in less favored communities.