Paper Summary
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Did Ivermectin Really Work in Peru? Maybe, But This Study Doesn't Prove It
This ecological study found a correlation between ivermectin use and decreased excess deaths in Peru during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. However, confounding factors like differing public health measures, population demographics, and the timing of interventions across regions could not be fully controlled. Therefore, the study's results do not confirm a causal relationship between ivermectin and reduced mortality.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
Two authors (Hibberd and Chamie-Quintero) have affiliations with organizations that actively promote the use of ivermectin for COVID-19. Chamie-Quintero also received payments from an ivermectin advocacy group.
Identified Weaknesses
The study uses an ecological design, which analyzes data at a population level. This type of study is prone to confounding variables, making it difficult to isolate the effect of ivermectin.
Uncontrolled Confounding Factors
While the study attempts to control for some confounding factors, others, like prior immunity due to previous infections and individual healthcare access, were not fully addressed. This could have influenced the results.
Correlation Does Not Equal Causation
Despite the correlations, the study does not definitively prove that ivermectin caused the reduction in deaths. More rigorous research with controlled trials is needed.
Rating Explanation
The study presents an interesting correlation, but the ecological design and uncontrolled confounding factors limit the strength of the conclusions. The authors' affiliations with pro-ivermectin organizations also raise concerns about potential bias.
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File Information
Original Title:
COVID-19 Excess Deaths in Peru's 25 States in 2020: Nationwide Trends, Confounding Factors, and Correlations With the Extent of Ivermectin Treatment by State
Uploaded:
August 09, 2025 at 12:08 PM
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