Social determinants of health and inequalities in COVID-19

Burström, Bo; Tao, Wenjing

doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckaa095

Cited by 262 publications

(265 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Even with the set of actions implemented by the Brazilian government, through "Brazil's response policy to COVID-19" [22], it is likely that after this pandemic, Brazil will face a second crisis related to poverty and the diseases associated therewith. The loss of income can bring other consequences for the health of the population, such as a higher frequency of mental illnesses, increased consumption of alcohol and other drugs and increased domestic violence [23]. It is not yet possible to predict the size of the impact of the pandemic on people's lives, especially on the most vulnerable and, for this reason, strategies to combat COVID-19 must be developed on different fronts of action.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human development, social vulnerability and COVID-19 in Brazil: a study of the social determinants of health

2020

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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in Brazil in February 2020. Since then, the disease has spread throughout the country, reaching the poorest areas. This study analyzes the relationship between COVID-19 and the population's living conditions. We aimed to identify social determinants related to the incidence, mortality, and case fatality rate of COVID-19 in Brazil, in 2020. Methods: This is an ecological study evaluating the relationship between COVID-19 incidence, mortality, and case fatality rates and 49 social indicators of human development and social vulnerability. For the analysis, bivariate spatial correlation and multivariate and spatial regression models (spatial lag model and spatial error models) were used, considering a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of 5%. Results: A total of 44.8% of municipalities registered confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 14.7% had deaths. We observed that 56.2% of municipalities with confirmed cases had very low human development (COVID-19 incidence rate: 59.00/100 000; mortality rate: 36.75/1 000 000), and 52.8% had very high vulnerability (COVID-19 incidence rate: 41.68/100 000; mortality rate: 27.46/1 000 000). The regression model showed 17 indicators associated with transmission of COVID-19 in Brazil. Conclusions: Although COVID-19 first arrived in the most developed and least vulnerable municipalities in Brazil, it has already reached locations that are farther from large urban centers, whose populations are exposed to a context of intense social vulnerability. Based on these findings, it is necessary to adopt measures that take local social aspects into account in order to contain the pandemic.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human development, social vulnerability and COVID-19 in Brazil: a study of the social determinants of health

2020

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“…In conclusion, unprecedented times deserve unprecedented measures. The social and economic determinants of health mediate the impact of crises such as a pandemic (41)(42)(43)(44)(45)143). Factors related to individual socioeconomic status, underlying morbidity and external factors such as diminishing access to healthcare and justice systems could deepen the inequity and injustice divide during and beyond the COVID-19 era (13,131,141).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Data shows that low socioeconomic communities are bearing a disproportionately higher brunt of the pandemic (41)(42)(43)(44)(45). These groups face a greater risk of detrimental financial and health outcomes during the crisis.…”

Section: Impact Of Covid-19 On Lower Socioeconomic Communitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Call for Action to Address Equity and Justice Divide During COVID-19

et al. 2020

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The coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is deepening the inequity and injustice among the vulnerable communities. The current study aims to present an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on equity and social justice with a focus on vulnerable communities. Vulnerable communities include, but not limited to, healthcare workers, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnic or minority groups, immigrants or refugees, justice-involved populations, and people suffering from chronic diseases or mental illness. The implications of COVID-19 on these communities and systemic disparities beyond the current pandemic are also discussed. People from vulnerable communities' experience disproportionately adverse impacts of COVID-19. COVID-19 has exacerbated systemic disparities and its long-term negative impact on these populations foretell an impending crisis that could prevail beyond the COVID-19 era. It is onerous that systemic issues be addressed and efforts to build inclusive and sustainable societies be pursued to ensure the provision of universal healthcare and justice for all. Without these reinforcements, we would not only compromise the vulnerable communities but also severely limit our preparedness and response to a future pandemic.

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“…As pointed out by Norris and Gonzalez ( 2020 ), infected persons, hospitalized patients, and deceased cases are higher in “oppressed and disenfranchised” communities. Burström and Tao ( 2020 ) similarly remarked that COVID-19 had a more significant impact on people in the lower socio-economic class and minority groups. With reference to Africa, Okoi and Bwawa ( 2020 ) also showed that health inequalities adversely affected people’s responses to COVID-19.…”

Section: Reflection 2: Health Inequalities and Health Disparitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 and Quality of Life: Twelve Reflections

Shek

2021

Applied Research Quality Life

144

100

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COVID-19 has severely affected the world since December 2020. Because of its sudden onset and highly contagious nature, the world has responded in a “crisis management” manner. With effective vaccines almost available, it is appropriate at this time to have some reflections about COVID-19 in relation to the quality of life issues. In this paper, we highlight twelve issues for reflection, which can help us better prepared for future pandemics. These include: digital divide, health inequality, gender inequality, economic disadvantage, family well-being, impact on holistic well-being, economic development versus saving lives, consumption versus environmental protection, individual rights versus collective rights, international collaboration versus conflict, prevention of negative well-being, and promotion of positive well-being.

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Social determinants of health and inequalities in COVID-19

Cited by 262 publications

References 4 publications

Human development, social vulnerability and COVID-19 in Brazil: a study of the social determinants of health

Human development, social vulnerability and COVID-19 in Brazil: a study of the social determinants of health

Call for Action to Address Equity and Justice Divide During COVID-19

COVID-19 and Quality of Life: Twelve Reflections

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