Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary health care for the elderly through Prostate Antigen (PSA) tests in the city of Presidente Prudente, SP

Context: The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in elective procedures and routine examinations, affecting vulnerable populations. This study evaluates the impact of the public health emergency decree on prostate cancer screening and elderly care in Presidente Prudente, SP, using ARIMA models. Methods:...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Lucio, Marco, Teles, Anna, Fonseca, Elivelton, Giuffrida, Rogerio, Santos, Flávia
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2025
Country:Brasil
Institution:Casa de Hiram
Repository:Estrabão
Language:Portuguese
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs2.estrabao.press:article/256
Online Access:https://revista.estrabao.press/index.php/estrabao/article/view/256
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:COVID-19
PSA
idosos
Presidente Prudente
rastreamento
elderly
tracking
anciano
seguimiento
Description
Summary:Context: The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in elective procedures and routine examinations, affecting vulnerable populations. This study evaluates the impact of the public health emergency decree on prostate cancer screening and elderly care in Presidente Prudente, SP, using ARIMA models. Methods: Using data from the local Health Department, average attendance rates were analyzed through ARIMA models, including regressors for trend changes. The analysis was performed using R Software, with 5% significance. Results: There was an immediate reduction in attendance after the 2020 decree: 284 fewer PSA tests and 2,470 fewer elderly care visits. PSA testing returned to previous levels, while elderly care stabilized at a lower level. Both services showed seasonality. The decree impacted both services in Presidente Prudente. Demand recovered, however, elderly care remained subsequently reduced.