Spatial analysis of COVID-19 cases notified in the state of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

Background

Studies using georeferencing are useful for decision-making in health actions.

Objective

To analyze the spatial distribution of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) in the state of Bahia and health units managed by the network.

Method

Ecological study consisted of an analysis regarding the spatial distribution of cases reported in epidemiological bulletins of the Health Secretary between March 6 and June 6, 2020. In the spatial analysis, the crude “I de Moran” was used and adjusted by the Bayesian Global Estimator and maps were created to visualize the results. Multivariate spatial regression was performed, since the dependent variable was associated with the incidence coefficients of COVID-19, whereas the independent one was related to the Human Development Index, per capita income, demographic density, number of beds, professionals and health units were dependent.

Results

This study could identify 26,823 cases in 322 municipalities, comprising 58.2% in the capital; i.e., municipalities with the highest incidence coefficient were Ipiaú (718.0), Itajuípe (678.2) and Uruçuca (638.0), in diverse macroregions and 42 health units at various levels of complexity, 18 in the capital.

Conclusion

Spatial analysis methods are evidenced as an essential tool to understand the spatialization of COVID-19, thus being useful as a tool in planning the prevention and controlling actions of COVID-19.

Keywords:
COVID-19; spatial analysis; epidemiology; Brazil