Potential loss in years of life arising from COVID-19 in Brazilian regions: evaluation of the six first months of pandemic

Abstract

This research note estimates the impact of deaths by Covid-19 on life expectancy in Brazil and the Regions for the first six months of 2020. Based on data from Datasus and the decreasing life tables, it was estimated that deaths by Covid-19 that occurred until August 18, 2020 had a statistically negative impact on life expectancy at birth, both male (-1.05 years) and female (-0.85 years). In regional terms, the greatest loss in years of life is estimated in the North (-1.65 years for men and-1.48 years for women), while in the South it was-0.5 year for men and-0.36 for women. The results of the logistic model for the country show that Covid-19 mortality tends to be higher among males, blacks, people with low education level and people over 65 years old. Comorbidities increase the chance of death, especially liver disease and chronic kidney disease. Such analyzes were further disaggregated by large Brazilian regions.