Rigid social isolation during COVID-19 pandemics in a state of brazilian northeast

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the temporal trend of incidence, mortality, coverage of wards and intensive care beds, and rigid social isolation in the Ceara State and correlate them. Methods: Ecological study, which outcome variable was the mortality rate. Predictors were incidence, occupation rate of bed wards and intensive care beds, and social isolation rate. It was performed a multiple linear regression considering significant when p<0.05. Results: It was observed an increasing trend of incidence and mortality by COVID-19 in the Ceara State (p = 0.01). On the other hand, it was seen a decreasing trend in the occupation of wards and intensive care beds (p = 0.02). The social isolation rate significantly decreased during the period (p = 0.001). In the multiple linear regression, social isolation remained inversely related to mortality by COVID-19 (beta = 0.08;p = 0,02). Conclusion: It was seen the effect of rigid social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemics. The anticipated implementation of it, with other public health actions, showed relevance to guarantee the continuity of its benefits.