Instituições de longa permanência para idosos e a covid-19: uma análise dos surtos

Abstract

Introduction: This article aims to describe the outbreaks of COVID-19 in Long- Term Care Institutions for the Elderly (ILPs) in Santa Maria, a medium-sized municipality in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: Descriptive study, with dynamic population and population group restricted, using secondary data from epidemiological surveillance and information systems. Monitoring of those exposed in ILPIs that had outbreaks in the municipality during the year 2020. Results: During the year 2020, 6 institutions presented an outbreak of COVID-19 in the municipality, 300 elderly residents and 210 professionals had an epidemiological connection with the institutions during the outbreak period. The average age of residents was 75.3 ± 12.73dp years and of professionals 41.4 ± 10.94dp years. There was a predominance of females and the majority declared themselves as white. The incidence coefficient was 28,333 cases / 100,000 and a mortality rate of 4,666.6 deaths / 100,000 institutionalized elderly. They reported that 65.3 of the residents and 74.8 of the service professionals were asymptomatic, with confirmed cases. In the symptomatic cases investigated, the most common symptoms were cough, fever, dyspnoea and headache. Discussion: It is observed that the incidence, risks for more severe conditions and mortality due to Covid-19 of those exposed are higher than that of the general population, corroborating previous studies. However, the results are different between institutions. Conclusion: ILPIs show rapid spread and contamination of the virus. The difference between the institutions surveyed points to the need for studies that investigate the factors that contribute to better results.