Multiple factors of Covid-19: An applied analysis for Brazilian municipalities

Abstract

The cases, deaths, incidence, mortality and lethality from Covid-19 suggest that this pandemic generated regionally distinct disorders in Brazil. Therefore, considering data from 2020 and using regressions via Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Negative Binomials (BN), this study assessed whether certain characteristics of Brazilian municipalities could affect the local intensity of this pandemic. The results suggest that smaller municipalities, with a mild and dry climate, adequate spending on health, good educational level, population that is mostly elderly and made up of men, less economic activity, low inequality and pollution and a good public transport system would have fewer cases/deaths. In addition to revealing associations regarding incidence and mortality, it was found that the lethality would be lower in richer cities, with a population between 20-39 years old, better public transport, a good educational level, low levels of population density and pollution, higher health spending and more hospitals.