This study outlines the rates of hospitalization, mortality, and violence for women in Brazil in the
context of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to race/skin color/ethnicity. The study was
developed with secondary data originating from official systems of information. The analysis of
hospitalizations derives from data found in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information
System (SIVEP-Gripe). The data on women’s mortality due to COVID-19 and violence was
obtained from Mortality Information System (SIM), with consideration for the International
Classification of Disease codes (ICD-10). Averages, proportions, gross rates, adjusted rates, and rate
ratios were calculated by the authors. Of the COVID-19-related hospitalizations, the majority of
those registered occurred among women 50 or older, with an average age of 58.8 years. A higher
number of hospitalizations was observed among white women, especially those with at least a
primary and middle school education. COVID-19 deaths and violent deaths from undetermined
causes (UD) were proportionately higher for women over 50 years old. Deaths by homicide were
proportionately higher for girls and women 10 to 49 years old. The average age at the time of death
was found to be approximately 69 years old by COVID-19, 34 by homicide, and 62 by UD. Deaths
due to COVID-19 and UD were more prevalent among white women, whereas deaths by homicide
were proportionately higher for Black women. Women with a basic education were more frequent
victims of COVID-19, homicide, and UD. In terms of hospitalization and death by COVID-19 and
UD, a higher adjusted rate was observed for Black women compared to white women. Indigenous
women represented the highest adjusted rate in terms of homicide, followed by Black women.
Despite white women experiencing proportionately higher hospitalizations and deaths from
COVID-19 and UD, the adjusted rates reveal that Black women are most at risk of sickness and
death from these causes
