Non-communicable diseases and inequalities increase risk of death among COVID-19 patients in Mexico
Abstract
Background
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic compounds Mexico’s pre-existing challenges: very high levels of both non-communicable diseases (NCD) and social inequity.
Methods and findings
Using data from national reporting of SARS-CoV-2 tested individuals, we estimated odds of hospitalization, intubation and death based on pre-existing non-communicable diseases and socioeconomic indicators. We found that obesity, diabetes and hypertension are positively associated with the 3 outcomes in a synergistic manner. The municipal poverty level is also positively associated with hospitalization and death.
Conclusions
Mexico’s response to COVID-19 is complicated by a synergistic double challenge: raging NCDs and extreme social inequity. The response to the current pandemic must take both of them into account both to be effective and to ensure that the burden of COVID-19 not fall disproportionately on those who are already disadvantaged.
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