Risk factors for increased COVID-19 case-fatality in the United States: A county-level analysis during the first wave.

ABSTRACT: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is causing significant morbidity and mortality across the US. In this ecological study, we identified county-level variables associated with the COVID-19 case-fatality rate (CFR) using publicly available datasets and a negative binomial generalized linear model. Variables associated with decreased CFR included a greater number of hospitals per 10,000 people, banning religious gatherings, a higher percentage of people living in mobile homes, and a higher percentage of uninsured people. Variables associated with increased CFR included a higher percentage of the population over age 65, a higher percentage of Black or African Americans, a higher asthma prevalence, and a greater number of hospitals in a county. By identifying factors that are associated with COVID-

SUBMITTER: Millar JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8516194 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature