Overview of COVID-19 in three municipalities of Guerrero, Mexico during 2020

Abstract

Objective To estimate the magnitude and dynamics of health outcomes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamic in Ometepec, Xochistlahuaca and Tlacoachistlahuaca in Guerrero, Mexico. Methods Retrospective study developed from the secondary analysis of the COVID-19 database, from the Mexican Ministry of Health in 2020. We developed time series and estimated the magnitude of the health effects of the pandemic by means of bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression models. Results The public health services registered 325 confirmed cases and 28 deaths from COVID-19 during epidemiologic weeks 12 to 40 in 2020. Nearly 16% of confirmed cases pertained to patients self-reported as indigenous people. Two out of three deaths occurred within 48 hours of hospital admission. Diabetes, COVID-19 pneumonia and being age 50 years or older were the predictor variables associated with hospital fatality which best fit our regression models. Conclusions It is essential to promote a greater use of government health services among indigenous populations by disseminating culturally relevant information on warning signs such as difficulty breathing and risk factors such as suffering from diabetes and being an older adult.