ABSTRACT
This article explores the use of spatial artificial intelligence to estimate the resources needed to implement Brazil's COVID-19 immu nization campaign. Using secondary data, we conducted a cross-sectional ecological study adop ting a time-series design. The unit of analysis was Brazil's primary care centers (PCCs). A four-step analysis was performed to estimate the popula tion in PCC catchment areas using artificial in telligence algorithms and satellite imagery. We also assessed internet access in each PCC and con ducted a space-time cluster analysis of trends in cases of SARS linked to COVID-19 at municipal level. Around 18% of Brazil's elderly population live more than 4 kilometer from a vaccination point. A total of 4,790 municipalities showed an upward trend in SARS cases. The number of PCCs located more than 5 kilometer from cell towers was largest in the North and Northeast regions. Innovative stra tegies are needed to address the challenges posed by the implementation of the country's National COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. The use of spatial artificial intelligence-based methodologies can help improve the country's COVID-19 response.
O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o uso da inteligência artificial espacial no contexto da imunização contra COVID-19 para a seleção adequada dos recursos necessários. Trata-se de estudo ecológico de caráter transversal baseado em uma abordagem espaço-temporal utilizando dados secundários, em Unidades Básicas de Saúde do Brasil. Foram adotados quatro passos analíticos para atribuir um volume de população por unidade básica, aplicando algoritmos de inteligência artificial a imagens de satélite. Em paralelo, as condições de acesso à internet móvel e o mapeamento de tendências espaço-temporais de casos graves de COVID-19 foram utilizados para caracterizar cada município do país. Cerca de 18% da população idosa brasileira está a mais de 4 quilômetros de distância de uma sala de vacina. No total, 4.790 municípios apresentaram tendência de agudização de casos de Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave. As regiões Norte e Nordeste apresentaram o maior número de Unidades Básicas de Saúde com mais de 5 quilômetros de distância de antenas de celular. O Plano nacional de vacinação requer o uso de estratégias inovadoras para contornar os desafios do país. O uso de metodologias baseadas em inteligência artificial espacial pode contribuir para melhoria do planejamento das ações de resposta à COVID-19.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Aged , Artificial Intelligence , Brazil , Cities , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Intelligence , SARS-CoV-2 , VaccinationABSTRACT
Objective: To present the experience and results of the reregistration of residents in Foz do Iguaçu, a border town located in the state of Paraná, Brazil, to meet the guidelines of the national Primary Health Care (PHC) Policy and its new financing model (Programa Previne Brasil). Method: A scanning strategy (convenience sample) was used for data collection, with 52 263 households visited and 22 710 interviews conducted from September to November 2019. The interviews were conducted face-to-face by 54 community health workers. Data were collected on the household (ownership status, urban or rural location, type of household, construction material, availability of electrical and sewage networks, water supply and waste disposal). Demographic and health information on the residents was also collected. Results: The reregistration process revealed that most residents were home owners and lived in well-constructed homes, located mostly in urban areas, served by electricity, with access to water supply and garbage collection. Of the reregistered population, 52.8% were women, 62.5% were aged between 15 and 59 years and 60.0% declared themselves white. Among respondents aged 15 or over, 90.0% had completed elementary school. The main occupation was "formal salaried job". Additionally, 18.6% of the interviewees declared themselves to be hypertensive and 7.0%, diabetic. Conclusions: The reregistration process uncovered relevant information to support both PHC planning as well as social assistance, work and housing initiatives; it was also fundamental to define health care strategies in this border town during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia y los resultados de la reinscripción de la población residente en Foz do Iguaçu, un municipio fronterizo ubicado en el estado de Paraná (Brasil), en cumplimiento de las directrices de la Política de atención primaria de salud y su nuevo modelo de financiamiento (Programa Previne Brasil). Métodos: Utilizando una estrategia de barrido (muestreo de conveniencia) para la recolección de datos, se visitaron 52 263 hogares y se realizaron 22 710 entrevistas entre septiembre y noviembre de 2019. Las entrevistas fueron presenciales y estuvieron a cargo de 54 trabajadores comunitarios de salud. Se recopilaron datos sobre el hogar (régimen de propiedad de la vivienda, ubicación en una zona urbana o rural, tipo de vivienda, material de construcción, disponibilidad de redes de energía eléctrica y alcantarillado, abastecimiento de agua y eliminación de desechos) e información sobre la composición demográfica y la salud de los residentes. Resultados: La reinscripción reveló que los residentes eran propietarios de sus viviendas y que estas se encontraban ubicadas en zonas urbanas, estaban bien construidas y tenían servicios de energía eléctrica, abastecimiento de agua y recolección de basura. El 52,8% de la población registrada correspondió a mujeres, el 62,5% tenía entre 15 y 59 años y el 60,0% declaró que era de raza blanca. El 90,0% de los entrevistados mayores de 15 años había terminado la escuela primaria. La ocupación principal era "persona asalariada con carnet de trabajo". Además, el 18,6% de los entrevistados indicó que tenía hipertensión y el 7,0%, diabetes. Conclusiones: La reinscripción aportó información relevante para apoyar la planificación de la atención primaria de salud , así como las iniciativas en materia de asistencia social, trabajo y vivienda; también fue fundamental para definir las estrategias de atención de salud en ese municipio fronterizo durante la pandemia de COVID-19.