Impact of covid-19 on critical patients in Ecuador, Colombia and Peru

Authors

  • María Nazareno-Cedeño Centro de Salud Tipo C San Lorenzo
  • Mishelle Nicole Quiroz-Bone Centro de Salud Tipo A Carondelet. Ecuador

Keywords:

COVID-19, MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY, INTENSIVE CARE, COMORBIDITIES, PUBLIC HEALTH, LATIN AMERICA

Abstract

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the structural weaknesses of healthcare systems in Latin America, particularly affecting critically ill patients.

Objective: to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the morbidity and mortality of critically ill patients in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru during the second half of 2020, considering data on mortality rates, comorbidities, and healthcare system capacities.

Methods: a documentary, quantitative, longitudinal, and retrospective study was conducted. Twelve scientific publications that provided data on mortality rates, comorbidities, and healthcare system capacities were analyzed. The methodological approach was revised from previous versions, discarding the qualitative paradigm due to inconsistencies with the variables studied.

Results: Intensive Care Units mortality rates ranged between 28 % and 32 %. The most common comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Critical deficiencies were identified in hospital infrastructure, resource distribution, and staff physician training.

Conclusion: the high morbidity and mortality rate was a consequence of an interaction between preexisting clinical conditions and structural limitations. The quantitative approach allowed us to identify relevant regional patterns that should guide the development of public policies in critical healthcare.

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References

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Published

2025-07-22

How to Cite

1.
Nazareno-Cedeño M, Quiroz-Bone MN. Impact of covid-19 on critical patients in Ecuador, Colombia and Peru. Rev. electron. Zoilo [Internet]. 2025 Jul. 22 [cited 2025 Sep. 8];50(1):e3893. Available from: https://revzoilomarinello.sld.cu/index.php/zmv/article/view/3893

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Original articles