Completeness and timeliness of records of SARS due to COVID-19 in the SIVEP-Gripe System, Brazil 2020-2023.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the completeness and timeliness of records of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to COVID-19 in the SIVEP-Gripe system in Brazil, from 2020 to 2023.

Methods: This was a descriptive study based on secondary, public, and anonymized data from SIVEP-Gripe, comprising 2,200,796 SARS due to Covid-19 records. Sixty-six sociodemographic, clinical, hospitalization, outcome, and treatment variables were analyzed. Completeness was classified according to Romero and Cunha (2006). Timeliness was assessed through the intervals between symptom onset and notification, notification and data entry, and notification and case closure, considering historical surveillance parameters (7, 30, and 60 days, respectively).

Results: There was a predominance of variables classified as having very poor completeness throughout the analyzed period, despite a slight improvement in the good and excellent completeness classifications between 2020 and 2023. Regional heterogeneity was observed; Amapá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná achieved higher proportions of satisfactory completion, whereas Tocantins, Pernambuco, Mato Grosso, Rondônia, and Alagoas had the worst performance. Between 2020 and 2023, the average notification time decreased from 13 to 7 days. Data entry was performed on time in over 90% of records in most states, while case closure remained around 86%. Nevertheless, the 90% target for timely notification was not achieved.

Conclusion: Despite improvements in the timeliness of records, completeness remained unsatisfactory and uneven across states. These findings highlight the need to strengthen data entry practices and invest in continuous training and systematic monitoring to ensure more consistent data for surveillance and public health planning.