Epidemiological profile of COVID-19 in indigenous communities in the state of Alagoas, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The pandemic of COVID-19 revealed the scenario of inequalities experienced by the indigenous population, subjected to social determinants in health that make them more susceptible to suffer a disproportionate impact from the disease. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 in indigenous communities in the state of Alagoas-BR. Methods: Ecological, descriptive study, based on reports published by the State Health Secretariat of Alagoas, with the inclusion of data until 01/29/2021. The frequency of confirmed cases, accumulated deaths and the lethality rate according to ethnicity, sex and age group were investigated. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel®. Results:Of the 16,291 indigenous people residing in the State, 6,268 were considered to correspond to indigenous villagers. 212 confirmed cases were registered, and 5 deaths accumulated among ethnic groups. Among the confirmed cases, 32.5% were from the Xucuru-Kariri ethnic group, 54.2% were male and 74.1% were from 20 to 59 years old. There was a greater prevalence of death in males and in the age group of 20 to 59 years, with 60% in both cases. Regarding the lethality rate, the Karapotó ethnic group stood out with 9.1%, the male gender with 2.6% and the age group of 60 years old or over with 7.4%. Conclusion: Among the indigenous population of Alagoas, there was a predominance of confirmed cases and deaths in adult males, with the Xucuru-Kariri ethnic group having the largest number of confirmed cases. The lethality rate was higher in the Karapotó ethnic group and in elderly males.