Distribución espacial de la mortalidad por COVID-19 y su asociación con condiciones sociodemográficas en Antioquia-Colombia.

Antioquia has shown wide subregional and municipal variations in the risk of mortality due to COVID-19. However, relevant factors to explain the geographical pattern of mortality, other than individual conditions, are unknown. Objective: To explore the possible influence of municipal characteristics on the risk of mortality due to Covid-19 in Antioquia, adjusted by individual conditions. A cross-sectional secondary data analytical study was used, using data from all positive cases of Covid-19 identified between March 9, 2020 and October 29, 2021 in Antioquia-Colombia. Methods: A multilevel logistic model was adjusted to analyze the association between mortality due to Covid-19 and socioeconomic and demographic predictors of the municipalities, independent of age, gender, and ethnicity. Results: After controlling for indivisual variables, 12 out of the 16 municipal-level variables were shown to be independently associated with Covid-19 mortality. The results also suggest a negative gradient of mortality due to Covid-19 where, municipalities with precarious conditions, showed higher risks. Conclusions: These results suggest the need to take into account not only the immediate environment but also the broader environment to which people belong to prevent the spread of the virus and its serious consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]