Análise da pandemia de COVID-19 em Minas Gerais: uma perspectiva a partir das variáveis de saúde

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted structural inequalities and vulnerabilities within healthcare systems, disproportionately affecting different segments of the population. In the state of Minas Gerais, factors such as the distribution of hospital infrastructure, access to healthcare services, and socioeconomic conditions were decisive in shaping the epidemiological outcomes of the disease. However, there was a gap in the understanding of the relationship between healthcare infrastructure and the spread of the virus at the regional level. This study aimed to analyze the association between healthcare infrastructure and COVID-19 pandemic indicators in Minas Gerais. The research sought to understand how the distribution of health services and socioeconomic factors influenced the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, as well as to assess the impacts of vaccination. The study employed a quantitative and spatial approach, integrating epidemiological, socioeconomic, and healthcare infrastructure data. Data were collected from the State Health Department, IBGE, DATASUS, among other sources. The analysis involved descriptive statistics, multivariate regressions, and spatial modeling, including the use of the Global Moran’s I Index to assess the spatial autocorrelation of variables. Thematic maps were also constructed to visualize the geographic distribution of the pandemic's impacts across the state. The results indicated that inequality in the distribution of hospital infrastructure and vaccination coverage contributed to significant disparities in epidemiological indicators among municipalities in Minas Gerais. Municipalities with lower availability of hospital beds and healthcare professionals showed higher hospitalization and mortality rates. Moreover, spatial patterns were identified, revealing clusters of high incidence in areas of greater socioeconomic vulnerability. The analysis of vaccination demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing mortality, but also exposed logistical challenges in the equitable distribution of doses. The findings of the study underscore the need for public policies aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly in more vulnerable regions. Expanding hospital networks, redistributing healthcare professionals, and improving vaccination logistics were essential measures to mitigate the impacts of future health crises. Additionally, the integration of spatial analysis methodologies proved valuable for policymakers in formulating effective pandemic response strategies.