Salud y Economía. Una convergencia necesaria para enfrentar el COVID-19 y retomar la senda hacia el desarrollo sostenible en América Latina y el Caribe / Health and Economy. A necessary convergence to face COVID-19 and resume the path towards sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Varios países de América Latina son el epicentro de la pandemia de COVID-19. La región, la más desigual del mundo, es especialmente vulnerable a la COVID-19 por sus altos niveles de informalidad laboral, urbanización y débiles sistemas de salud y protección social.

Região Norte do Brasil e a pandemia de COVID-19: análise socioeconômica e epidemiológica / North region of Brazil and the COVID-19 pandemic: socioeconomic and epidemiologic analysis / Región Norte de Brasil y la pandemia de COVID-19: análisis socioeconómico y epidemiológico

Objetivo: analisar o perfil epidemiológico das doenças respiratórias e os indicadores socioeconômicos e de assistência em saúde da região Norte do Brasil durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Método: estudo epidemiológico, de caráter descritivo e quantitativo, em relação ao período de janeiro de 2010 a fevereiro de 2020. Os dados foram coletados no DATASUS e no boletim epidemiológico sobre a COVID-19 do Ministério da Saúde. Os resultados foram dispostos em números absolutos, frequência relativa e medidas de tendência central. Resultados: no período houve 1.163.303 internações, consumindo 891.494.215,40 reais. Pará e Amazonas somam 66% desses gastos. Os meses de abril, maio e junho apresentaram médias maiores de hospitalizações durante todos os anos. A faixa etária mais onerosa foi entre 60 e 69 anos. A região Norte é menos provida de médicos, leitos de UTI e respiradores. Amazonas, Amapá e Roraima têm os maiores coeficientes de incidência de COVID-19 por 1.000.000 de habitantes. Conclusão: a pandemia aumenta a vulnerabilidade socioeconômica e assistencial do sistema de saúde do Norte brasileiro, com sobrecarga e número de óbitos crescente. Portanto, há necessidade urgente de realocar recursos e reorganizar a rede de atenção à saúde.

Objective: to analyze the epidemiological profile of respiratory diseases and the socioeconomic and health care indicators of northern Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: epidemiological study, of a descriptive and quantitative character, in relation to the period from January 2010 to February 2020. Data were collected in DATASUS and in the epidemiological bulletin on COVID-19 of the Ministry of Health. The results were displayed in absolute numbers, relative frequency and measures of central tendency. Results: in the period there were 1,163,303 hospitalizations, consuming 891,494,215.40 reais. Pará and Amazonas account for 66% of these expenses. The months of April, May and June showed higher averages of hospitalizations during all years. The most expensive age group was between 60 and 69 years. The northern region is less equipped with doctors, ICU beds and respirators. Amazonas, Amapá and Roraima have the highest incidence coefficients of COVID-19 per 1,000,000 inhabitants. Conclusion: the pandemic increases the socioeconomic and assistance vulnerability of the health system in northern Brazil, with an overload and an increasing number of deaths. Therefore, there is an urgent need to reallocate resources and reorganize the health care network.

Objetivo: analizar el perfil epidemiológi co de las enfermedades respiratorias y los indicadores socioeconómicos y de salud del Norte de Brasil durante la pandemia COVID- 19. Método: estudio epidemiológico, de carácter descriptivo y cuantitativo, en relación con el período comprendido entre enero de 2010 y febrero de 2020. Los datos se recopilaron en DATASUS y en el boletín epidemiológico sobre COVID-19 del Ministerio de Salud. Los resultados se mostraron en números absolutos. frecuencia relativa y medidas de tendencia central. Resultados: en el período hubo 1.163.303 hospitalizaciones, que consumieron 891.494.215,40 reales. Pará y Amazonas representan el 66% de estos gastos. Los meses de abril, mayo y junio mostraron promedios más altos de hospitalizaciones durante todos los años. El grupo de edad más caro fue entre 60 y 69 años. La región Norte está menos equipada con médicos, camas de UCI y respiradores. Amazonas, Amapá y Roraima tienen las tasas más altas de incidencia de COVID-19 por cada 1,000,000 de habitantes. Conclusión: la pandemia aumenta la vulnerabilidad socioeconómica y asistencial del sistema de salud en el Norte de Brasil, con una sobrecarga y un número creciente de muertes. Por lo tanto, existe una necesidad urgente de reasignar recursos y reorganizar la red de atención médica.

Clinical decision making in older adults with COVID-19 in developing countries: looking beyond chronological age

ABSTRACT Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic. Older adults have been found as a vulnerable group for developing severe forms of disease and increased mortality. Objective: The objective of the study was to propose a pathway to assist the decision-making process for hospital resource allocation for older adults with COVID-19 using simple geriatric assessment-based tools. Methods: We reviewed the available literature at this point of the COVID-19 outbreak, focusing in older adult care to extract key recommendations for those health-care professionals who will be treating older adults in the hospital emergency ward (HEW) in developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: We listed a series of easy recommendations for non-geriatrician doctors in the HEW and suggested simple tools for hospital resource allocation during critical care evaluation of older adults with COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusions: Age must not be used as the sole criterion for resource allocation among older adults with COVID-19. Simple and efficient tools are available to identify components of the comprehensive geriatric assessment, which could be useful to predict outcomes and provide high-quality care that would fit the particular needs of older adults in resource-limited settings amidst this global pandemic.

Reflexiones sobre la experiencia venezolana, impacto social y económico, de la pandemia del coronavirus en un mundo globalizado / Reflections on the venezuelan experience, social and economic impact, of the coronavirus pandemic in a globalized world

En el presente trabajo se realiza una reflexión de la experiencia venezolana frente a la pandemia del COVID-19. Se parte del análisis del contexto económico previo y de las políticas públicas en salud y los cambios ocurridos en los últimos 20 años. La situación existente al inicio de la pandemia coloca al país en una gran vulnerabilidad, siendo una nación asediada con un bloqueo al acceso de cuentas en divisas fuera del país. Bloqueo en la venta e incautación de los recursos petroleros y de las finanzas públicas venezolanas existente en otros países. Déficit de combustibles como la gasolina. Caída de los precios del petróleo y con la imposibilidad de importar y exportar bienes y servicios. Las medidas tomadas ante la pandemia fueron: Decreto Presidencial de estado de alarma, cuarentena nacional consiente, distanciamiento social, uso obligatorio del tapaboca. Suspensión de la actividad laboral y la escolar presencial en todos los niveles. Detección precoz de posibles casos con la aplicación de pruebas rápidas masivamente. Control fronterizo con cuarentena obligatoria por 14 días y aplicación de pruebas de detección del COVID-19. Protección del empleo, suspensión de pago de alquileres de vivienda y locales comerciales entre otros. Se concluye que las decisiones tomadas por el gobierno nacional han sido exitosas para contener la propagación de la pandemia y mantener una baja mortalidad. El comportamiento de la población ha sido ejemplar. Finalmente en un mundo globalizado es necesario globalizar la solidaridad, fortalecer los estados nación versus las leyes del mercado para atender la salud.

This paper reflects on the Venezuelan experience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. It starts from the analysis of the previous economic context and of public health policies and the changes that have occurred in the last 20 years. The situation that existed at the beginning of the pandemic places the country in a highly vulnerable position, being a nation under siege with a block to the access of foreign currency accounts outside the country. Blockade in the sale and seizure of Venezuelan oil resources and public finances existing in other countries. Fuel deficit such as gasoline. Fall in oil prices and the impossibility of importing and exporting goods and services. The measures taken in the face of the pandemic were: Presidential Decree of alarm status, consenting national quarantine, social distancing, compulsory use of the mask. Suspension of work and school activity at all levels. Early detection of possible cases with the application of mass rapid tests. Border control with mandatory 14-day quarantine and application of COVID-19 screening tests. Protection of employment, suspension of payment of rent for housing and commercial premises, among others. It is concluded that the decisions made by the national government have been successful in containingthe spread of the pandemic and maintaining low mortality. The behavior of the population has been exemplary. Finally, in a globalized world it is necessary to globalize solidarity, strengthen nation states versus market laws to care for health.

Early public research funding response to COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the role of early public research funding regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. METHODS: We examined the budget for research projects relating to the number of cases and deaths and the relationship between each federal unit, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and the national GDP per capita. RESULTS: Using data from the websites of official funding agencies and the Brazilian government, we found that, in the first four months since the first case in Wuhan, China (December 31, 2019), around US$ 38.3 million were directed to public funding for scientific investigations against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, only 11 out of 27 federal units provided funding during the initial stages of the outbreak, and those that did provide financing were not necessarily the units having the most inhabitants, highest GDP, or the greatest number of cases. The areas of research interest were also identified in the funding documents; the most common topic was "diagnosis" and the least common was "equipment for treatment." CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian researchers had access to funding opportunities for projects against COVID-19. However, strategies to minimize the economic impacts of COVID-19 are crucial in mitigating or avoiding substantial financial and social shortcomings, particularly in terms of an emerging market such as Brazil.

A pandemia de COVID-19 para além das Ciências da Saúde: reflexões sobre sua determinação social / The COVID-19 pandemic beyond Health Sciences: reflections on its social determination

Resumo Este artigo possui o objetivo de realizar uma reflexão teórica sobre os fundamentos histórico-sociais da pandemia de COVID-19. A partir da matriz teórica materialista histórica, evoca-se as categorias da "mundialização do capital", "capital-imperialismo", "compressão espaço-tempo" e "crise estrutural do capital" traçando um percurso que ultrapassa os limites das Ciências da Saúde a fim de entender a saúde global, da qual a pandemia de COVID-19 é expressão. Posteriormente, faz-se o retorno ao campo da saúde, quando a categoria da "determinação social da saúde" permite elucidar as bases da pandemia estudada. Demonstra-se que, para além das características próprias do SARS-CoV-2 ou da dinâmica de rápido trânsito de pessoas e objetos pelo mundo, há outros elementos típicos da atual fase do capitalismo contemporâneo que se tornaram universais, unificando o processo de determinação social da saúde.

Abstract This paper aims to perform a theoretical reflection on the historical-social foundations of the COVID-19 pandemic. The "capital worldization", "capital-imperialism", "space-time compression", and "structural crisis of capital" categories are conjured from the historical materialistic-theoretical matrix, outlining a course that transcends the limits of Health Sciences to understand global health, of which the COVID-19 pandemic is an expression. We then return to the field of health, when the category of "social determination of health" allows elucidating the bases of the pandemic studied. We show that, other elements typical of the current phase of contemporary capitalism have become universal besides the SARS-CoV-2 characteristics or the dynamics of the rapid movement of people and objects around the world, unifying the health social determination process.

Fatores associados ao comportamento da população durante o isolamento social na pandemia de COVID-19 / Factors associated with people's behavior in social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumo O artigo apresenta resultados da pesquisa de opinião realizada no Brasil sobre a percepção do isolamento social durante a pandemia de COVID-19. O questionário foi elaborado no Google Forms, disseminado por redes sociais, com questões sobre o perfil socioeconômico e fatores associados ao isolamento. Obteve-se uma amostra com 16.440 respondentes. Os dados foram analisados no software Stata 13. O convívio social foi o aspecto mais afetado entre pessoas com maior escolaridade e renda 45,8%, para pessoas de baixas renda e escolaridade, problemas financeiros provocam maior impacto 35%. Os que praticam atividade física revelaram menores níveis de estresse 13%, bem como uma maior normalidade no sono 50,3%. Pessoas que referiram residir em piores condições de habitabilidade, informaram disposição a permanecer menos tempo isoladas 73,9%. Dentre as pessoas que não estão isoladas (10,7% do total), 75,8% acredita que o isolamento social reduzirá o número de vítimas da COVID-19. Concluímos, que a percepção das pessoas quanto ao isolamento social como medida de mitigação da pandemia, varia conforme a renda, escolaridade, idade e sexo, porém a maior parte acredita que se trata da medida de controle mais indicada e estão dispostas a esperar o tempo que for necessário para contribuir com o enfrentamento à COVID-19.

Abstract This paper presents the results of an opinion poll conducted in Brazil on the perception of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was prepared on Google Forms, disseminated through social networks, with questions about the socioeconomic profile and factors associated with isolation. A non-probabilistic sample was obtained with 16,440 respondents. Data were analyzed using the Stata 13 software. Social interaction was the most affected aspect among people with higher education and income (45.8%), and financial problems caused a more significant impact (35%) among people with low income and education. Those who practice some physical activity showed lower levels of stress 13%, as well as greater normality in sleep 50.3%. People who reported living in worse habitability conditions reported willingness to remain isolated for less time, 73.9%. Among non-isolated people (10.7% of the total sample), 75.8% believe that social isolation will reduce the number of victims of COVID-19. We conclude, based on this sample, that the perception about social isolation as a pandemic mitigation action varies by income, education, age, and gender. However, most believe that it is the most appropriate control measure and are willing to wait as long as necessary to contribute to the fight against COVID-19.

Ensayo sobre la pandemencia: cuando los personajes y microbios de la ciencia ficción salen de la película / Essay on Pandementia: when the characters and microbes of science fiction jump off the screen and invade the planet

RESUMEN Este ensayo crítico acerca de las declaraciones sobre la técnica y la vida en el planeta COVID-19 propone una reflexión ético-filosófica de los efectos de la pandemia. Trata de entender, atribuir significados y criticar las referencias a la pandemia, especialmente en Brasil, en momentos especialmente dramáticos, debido a la sinergia entre la grave enfermedad que afecta al país y al planeta, y un gobierno que se destaca por su gigantesca incapacidad para hacer frente a la calamidad. Este texto fue escrito en el periodo de "cuarentena" brasileña, desde mediados de marzo hasta fines de abril de 2020. Es un momento en el que los hechos nos golpean y no dejan de atormentarnos, y se vive a diario bajo el terrible dominio de esta pandemia. Así, este texto se caracteriza por estar elaborado en medio de un contexto social marcado por los esfuerzos de control y atención de la salud de los afectados, a pesar del complejo marco político actual y de las profundas dificultades económicas del país.

ABSTRACT This essay intends to carry out an ethical and philosophical reflection on the effects of the emergency contingencies of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on Brazil, it seeks to understand, critique, and attribute meaning to references to the pandemic, in particularly dramatic moments brought about by the synergy produced between the serious disease affecting the country and the world and a government that stands out for its remarkable unwillingness and inability to deal with this calamity. This text was written during the Brazilian "quarantine," which lasted from mid-March to late April, 2020. During this period, we were bombarded by facts that never ceased to haunt us, and lived each day under the terrible dominion of the pandemic. Therefore, this text was written in the midst of a social context marked by control efforts, with great attention directed at the health of those affected, despite the complex political framework and serious economic difficulties facing the country.

Effect of income on the cumulative incidence of COVID-19: an ecological study / Efeito da renda sobre a incidência acumulada de COVID-19: um estudo ecológico / Efecto de la renta sobre la incidencia acumulada de COVID-19: un estudio ecológico

ABSTRACT Objective to analyze the relationship between per capita income and the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in the neighborhoods of the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Method an ecological study using neighborhoods as units of analysis. The cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants and the median of potential confounding variables (sex, race, and age) were calculated. Multiple analysis included quantile regression, estimating the regression coefficients of the variable income for every five percentiles from the 10th to 90th percentiles to verify the relationship between income and incidence. Results the city's rate was 36.58 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In general, the highest rates were observed in the wealthiest regions. Multiple analysis was consistent with this observation since the per capita income affected all percentiles analyzed, with a median regression coefficient of 0.02 (p-value <0.001; R2 32.93). That is, there is an increase of R$ 0.02 in the neighborhood's per capita income for every unit of incidence. Conclusion cumulative incident rates of COVID-19 are influenced by one's neighborhood of residency, suggesting that access to testing is uneven.(AU)

Mudanças nas condições socioeconômicas e de saúde dos brasileiros durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Changes in Brazilians' socioeconomic and health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever as mudanças nas condições socioeconômicas e de saúde dos brasileiros durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados de pesquisa de comportamentos realizada pela internet de 24 de abril a 24 de maio de 2020 com 45.161 participantes recrutados por amostragem em cadeia. Foi feita uma análise descritiva de temas abordados na pesquisa: adesão às medidas de restrição social, diagnóstico do novo coronavírus, situação de trabalho e rendimentos, dificuldades nas atividades de rotina, presença de comorbidades, estado de ânimo e acesso aos serviços de saúde. Foram estimados as prevalências e os intervalos de 95% de confiança. Resultados: Aproximadamente 75% dos brasileiros aderiram à restrição social. Quanto aos sintomas de gripe, 28,1% relatou ter apresentado algum sintoma, mas apenas 5,9% realizou teste para COVID-19. Em relação à situação socioeconômica, 55,1% relatou diminuição do rendimento familiar, e 7% ficou sem rendimento; 25,8% dos indivíduos ficaram sem trabalhar, sendo o grupo de trabalhadores informais o mais afetado (50,6%). Quanto às condições de saúde, 29,4% avaliou que a sua saúde piorou; 45% teve problemas no sono, 40% apresentou, frequentemente, sentimento de tristeza e 52,5% de ansiedade/nervosismo; 21,7% procurou serviço de saúde e, entre estes, 13,9% não conseguiu atendimento. Conclusão: Os achados mostram a importância do controle da pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil, para mitigar os efeitos adversos na situação socioeconômica e nas condições de saúde relacionados às medidas de restrição social.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe changes in socioeconomic and health conditions of Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with data from a web-based behavioral survey carried out from April 24 to May 24, 2020, with 45,161 participants recruited by the chain sampling method. A descriptive analysis of the survey topics was performed: adherence to social restriction measures, diagnosis of the new coronavirus, work situation and income, difficulties in routine activities, presence of comorbidities, psychological issues, and access to health services. Prevalence and respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results: Approximately 74% of Brazilians adhered to social restrictions. As for flu symptoms, 28.1% reported having at least one flu symptom, but only 5.9% underwent testing for COVID-19. Regarding the socioeconomic impact, 55.1% reported a decrease in family income, and 7.0% were left without any income; 25.8% of the people lost their jobs, with the group of informal workers being the most affected (50.6%). As for health conditions, 29.4% reported worsening of health status; 45%, having sleep problems; 40% frequently presented feelings of sadness, and 52.5%, of anxiety; 21.7% sought health care, and, among them, 13.9% did not get care. Conclusion: The findings show the importance of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, to mitigate the adverse effects on the socioeconomic and health conditions related to social restriction measures.

Morbilidad y mortalidad asociada a hospitalizaciones por influenza pandémica A (H1N1) 2009 en dos hospitales de la Región Metropolitana y evaluación de su impacto económico / Morbidity and mortality associated to influenza A (H1N1) 2009 admissions in two hospitals of the Metropolitan area and analysis of its economic impact

Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infection was an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Chile. Aim: To characterize the clinical pattern of hospitalized patients, identify risk factors associated with ICU admission or death, and evaluate its economic impact. Patients and Methods: Twenty five adult patients admitted to 2 hospitals in the Metropolitan Area from May 2009 to December 2010 with PCR confirmed H1N1 infection were analyzed. Total hospital charges were obtained and, using data of registered cases, expenses for the whole country during the first epidemic wave were estimated. Results: Aill cases presented a risk factor: age over 60 years old (n = 13, 52%), co-morbid conditions (n = 24, 96%) or pregnancy (n = 1, 4%). Pneumonia was present in 64% (n = 16) and 16% (n = 4) had hypotension. Only 6 patients (24%) had a CURB-65 score ≥ 2 and 36% (n = 9) requiring ICU admission. Case fatality rate was 16% (n = 4). By multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus type 2 was independently associated with ICU admission or death (OR 8.12; IC95 1.11-59.2, p < 0.05). Hospital charges for those admitted to ICU or the intermediate care unit reached US$ 20,304, and US$ 1,262 for those admitted in general wards. We estimated US$ 20 million in hospital charges for influenza related hospitalizations during the first wave for the whole country. Conclusions: A high proportion of patients affected by influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infection required ICU admission during 2009-2010. Case fatality rate associated to this infection was high, and diabetes mellitus type 2 was a risk factor for ICU admission or death. Hospital charges were higher for those admitted in critical care units and represented an important expenditure for Chile during the first wave. The CURB-65 score was inappropriate to recognize patients at risk of hospitalization or ICU admission.

Introducción: La infección por influenza A (H1N1) pandémica representó una importante carga de morbilidad y mortalidad en Chile. Objetivo: Caracterización clínica de pacientes hospitalizados durante los años 2009 y 2010, identificar factores de riesgo asociados con ingreso a UCI o muerte y determinar el impacto económico de esta enfermedad. Pacientes y Métodos: Análisis de las características clínicas y evolución en un grupo de 25 pacientes adultos ingresados a dos hospitales institucionales en la Región Metropolitana confirmados por RPC desde mayo de 2009 a diciembre de 2010. Estudio de gastos hospitalarios y estimación de gasto nacional según registro de casos atendidos desde mayo a agosto de 2009. Resultados. Todos los pacientes presentaron una condición de riesgo: edad > 60 años (n: 13, 52%), co-morbilidad (n: 24, 96%) o embarazo ((n: 1, 4%). El 64% (n: 16) presentó neumonía y 16% tuvieron hipotensión arterial (n: 4). Sólo 6 pacientes (24%) tuvieron puntuación CURB-65 ≥ 2. Un 36% (n: 9) requirió manejo en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) y 4 pacientes fallecieron (16%). Por análisis multivariado, el antecedente de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 se asoció en forma significativa e independiente al ingreso a UCI o a un desenlace fatal (OR 8,12; IC95 1,11-59,2, p < 0,05). El gasto por paciente en aquellos que ingresaron a la UCI o Intermedio alcanzó los US$ 20.304 y US$ 1.262, para los que no ingresaron a estas unidades. Para Chile, se estimó un gasto mínimo de 20 millones de dólares por concepto de hospitalización para los primeros cuatro meses de la pandemia el 2009, asumiendo que 60% ingresó a UCI o Unidades Intermedias. Conclusiones: Una alta proporción de los pacientes afectados por influenza A (H1N1) 2009 requirió ingreso a UCI durante los años 2009-2010. La letalidad de esta infección fue elevada y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 fue un factor de riesgo para ingreso a UCI o muerte. Los gastos hospitalarios fueron elevados, especialmente en los que ingresaron a unidades críticas. El sistema CURB-65 tiene una baja capacidad para reconocer riesgo de hospitalización o muerte en estos pacientes.

La primera pandemia del siglo XXI: infección por virus de influenza a (H1N1) / The first pandemic of the 21st century: infection with influenza A (H1N1) virus

El 2009 marcó el reinicio de las sempiternas luchas universales contra las enfermedades I infecciosas; el aparecimiento del Virus de Influenza A H1N1 ha desatado una tarea global para su rápido e i eficiente control, minimizando con el esfuerzo común los daños a la población general y las economías locales y regionales. Este artículo es una revisión rápida a s u historia, características microblológicas, comportamiento epidemiológico, estrategias de control y controversias...(AU)