The Syndemic due to COVID-19, multimorbidity and social determinants in Chile

Abstract

Introduction: The current pandemic has challenged the health systems around the world, showcasing how social inequities determine the course and outcome of the SARS-CoV-2 disease. This article presents epidemiological data, as a precedent to propose the existence of a syndemic in the context of the current sanitary crisis that Chile is going through. Materials and methods: The data collection methodology was based on the exponential non-discriminatory snowball search strategy, where three key search terms were selected, from which the research was developed: the terms were COVID-19, social determinants of health and multimorbidity. There was sought statistical data about the health outcomes of people with multimorbidity during the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, as well as differences in incidence and mortality according to different social contexts. The search engines used were Google, Google Scholar and SciELO. Results: Syndemic vulnerability was identifed, in relation to worse health outcomes. determining the course and outcome of the COVID-19 disease. Discussion: The data presented allows the observation of how the COVID-19 disease has affected different population groups, where the social health determinants play a fundamental role. Conclusions: There is enough background to propose that there is a syndemic relationship between COVID-19, multimorbidity and the social determinants of health in Chile. The results of this research reinforce the proposition that public health should be built with an integrative, transdisciplinary and intersectoral approach.