Perfil epidemiológico de usuários testados para COVID-19 em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do município de João Pessoa/PB

Abstract

Introduction: Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused negative psychosocial, educational, and economic impacts worldwide, with Brazil being one of the most affected countries. The impact of this health emergency is even more severe in poor and marginalized regions, highlighting the crucial role of Primary Health Care in disease prevention and early detection. Objective: To identify the epidemiological profile of users tested for COVID-19 in a primary health care unit in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba. Methodology: Analytical crosssectional study conducted with users of both sexes, over 18 years old, from the Grotão Basic Health Unit, who had a laboratory diagnosis. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 22.0, applying the Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's chisquare test, and Binary Logistic Regression. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05, with a corresponding 95% confidence interval. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Paraíba. Results: The epidemiological profile of 222 users was analyzed. Sociodemographic and clinical factors disproportionately affected women, self-identified pardos, individuals aged 31 to 59 years, and those with incomplete or complete secondary education. The majority of users presented mild symptoms, with sore throat associated with RT-PCR test negativity, and taste and olfactory disorders associated with test positivity. Dyspnea and runny nose showed about twice the likelihood of RT-PCR test positivity. Comorbidities were mentioned at low frequencies. Discussion: Evidence shows that social inequities influence the heterogeneity of notifications. Men, despite being more susceptible to infections, seek healthcare services less frequently, making them a vulnerable group, along with Black individuals, the elderly, and those with lower education. The statistically relevant symptom findings were consistent with the literature, which also reports better sensitivities when cough, myalgia, and fever are present. Complaints of tachycardia, dyspnea, neurological and gastrointestinal problems have been frequent even after the infection in mild cases. Additionally, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, and obesity increase the risk of disease severity. Conclusion: This research not only contributes to the understanding of the pathology but also supports epidemiological diagnosis, which, despite its barriers, becomes a relevant alternative in the face of high demand in Primary Health Care