Revista Información Científica (Nov 2021)
COVID-19 and social determinants from a community perspective
Abstract
Introduction: Cuba's COVID-19 prevention strategy is distinguished by an intersectoral work and integration between governmental and scientific management; however, each territory has particularities that may constitute determinants of the health status of the population with implications on the reply and should be taken into account by local governments to address the disease. Objective: to describe the behavior of social determinants of health at the "Ho Chi Min" community in Guantánamo city, all in the context of the COVID-19 prevention strategy from April to June 2020. Method: a qualitative research using the phenomenological method was carried out. Two focus groups of 15 people each were organized, with formal leaders, adolescents and young people selected via inclusion and exclusion criteria. Method: a qualitative research using the phenomenological method was carried out. Two focus groups of 15 people each were organized, with formal leaders, adolescents and young people selected via inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to the principle of saturation in information, four sessions were conducted (two meetings per group). The data were processed on the basis of the analysis of content. Results: occupation, income level, living conditions and behaviors were intermediate social determinants affected by preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: the positive contribution of the socioeconomic and political context in the community studied, it is important as a structural determinant that evidences a political will aimed for mitigating the damage suffered in indicators of socioeconomic position such as employment and revenue. The health system as an intermediate determinant is seen as a strength to confront COVID-19.
