Association of Age-Specific 2020 Florida COVID-19 Rates With Population Age Distribution and Presidential Preference.

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Demography

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected various age groups and geographic locations.
• Understanding the influence of local demographics on disease spread is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between county-level age distribution and age-specific COVID-19 infection, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and mortality rates.
• To explore the correlation between political leanings (presidential voting results) and COVID-19 outcomes within different age demographics.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of Florida's 2020 COVID-19 data, stratified by age and county.
• Incorporation of socioeconomic, demographic, and 2020 presidential voting data at the county level.
• Statistical assessment of the relationship between population age structure, political factors, and COVID-19 metrics.

Main Results:

• Younger counties exhibited higher infection rates among those under 25 and increased infection, emergency, and hospitalization rates for those over 64.
• Older counties demonstrated reduced infection rates across all age groups and lower emergency and hospitalization rates for older adults.
• Higher Trump vote share correlated with increased overall infection rates and elevated emergency, hospitalization, and mortality rates for individuals over 64.

Conclusions:

• County age distribution significantly influences COVID-19 infection dynamics and severity, with younger populations experiencing higher overall infections and older populations facing specific risks.
• Political factors, such as voting patterns, appear to be associated with disparities in COVID-19 outcomes, particularly for older adults.
• Tailored public health messaging and interventions, considering both age demographics and local context, are essential for mitigating pandemic spread and impact.