COVID -19 spatial distribution in the state of Paraí­ba: an association with demographic density

Abstract

Objective: To analyze and describe the spatial distribution of epidemiological data from COVID-19 cases in the state of Paraí­ba. Method: A descriptive ecological study was carried out, based on information from COVID-19 in Paraí­ba, with open access from the State Health Secretariat's dashboard, using confirmed case and death data. After analyzing the data obtained, they were transformed into rates, in order to compare them with the demographic density of the studied region. Results: Among the 223 municipalities in the State of Paraí­ba, those with a higher demographic density led the COVID-19 morbidity, incidence and lethality rates in the State, during the period studied. Conclusion: It was possible to observe the contribution of large cities as a source of the spread of the disease, due to its high demographic density, thus reaffirming the need and importance of preventive public health measures to be adopted, in order to guarantee a low level of spread of the virus.