The Impact of Social Vulnerability on COVID-19 in the U.S.: An Analysis of Spatially Varying Relationships.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Because of their inability to access adequate medical care, transportation, and nutrition, socially vulnerable populations are at an increased risk of health challenges during disasters. This study estimates the association between case counts of COVID-19 infection and social vulnerability in the U.S., identifying counties at increased vulnerability to the pandemic.

Methods

Using Social Vulnerability Index and COVID-19 case count data, an ordinary least squares regression model was fitted to assess the global relationship between COVID-19 case counts and social vulnerability. Local relationships were assessed using a geographically weighted regression model, which is effective in exploring spatial nonstationarity.

Results

As of May 12, 2020, a total of 1,

SUBMITTER: Karaye IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7318979 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature