[Geographic Variability, Health Inequities and Lethality Due to COVID-19 in Bariloche, Río Negro, 2020-2021].

INTRODUCTION:The objective of this study was to analyze the geographic variability and the relationship between social determinants of health and COVID-19 lethality in Bariloche.METHODS:A database from the National Epidemiological Surveillance System was used to analyze COVID-19 positive cases from January 2020 to December 2021. The data were geocoded and incorporated into a geographic information system (GIS). A three-step analytical framework was applied to measure health inequity, using socioeconomic indicators and access to services. A multivariate analysis was conducted to predict fatality.RESULTS:A total of 25 020 COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in Bariloche during the study period. The fatality rate was 2.1%. Significant variability in socioeconomic indicators was observed among different territorial delegations of the city.DISCUSSION:The results showed health inequities and an association between social determinants and COVID-19 lethality in Bariloche. Individuals living in areas with higher socioeconomic vulnerability had a higher risk of mortality. These findings highlight the importance of addressing health inequities in a pandemic response.