Influence of socioeconomic aspects on morbidity and mortality rates from COVID-19 in the state of Tocantins, Brazil

This study aimed to analyze the spatial correlation of COVID-19 with social vulnerability indices in the state of Tocantins. Methodology: An ecological and cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing the temporal evolution of the pandemic using the local bivariate Moran's index and the Kernel intensity estimator for COVID-19 cases in Tocantins from 2020 to 2022. Results: The northern region of the state showed the highest concentration of cases and deaths, a concerning fact given the high social vulnerability of most municipalities in this region. Conclusion: The study identified a positive spatial correlation between the incidence and mortality rates of COVID-19 and the social vulnerability index of the municipalities. These findings highlight the need to strengthen preventive measures and expand the physical, technological, and human resources of the healthcare network, especially in areas serving populations with higher vulnerability and traditional communities. This is particularly relevant as the disease also affects more isolated areas, impacting indigenous, riverside, and quilombola populations.