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Exploring the Geospatial Relationship Between COVID-19 Positivity and Income in Mixed Urban-Rural Population.
Butros M Dahu1, Solaiman Khan1, Lincoln R Sheets1
1University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|January 25, 2024
Summary
Lower median incomes in Boone County, Missouri, correlated with fewer COVID-19 tests and higher positivity rates. This highlights socioeconomic disparities in pandemic impact and testing accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected populations.
- Social determinants of health influenced pandemic burden.
- Income disparities are a key social determinant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between median income and COVID-19 testing and positivity rates.
- To investigate socioeconomic factors in pandemic outcomes.
- To analyze COVID-19 data in Boone County, Missouri.
Main Methods:
- Geospatial analysis of Census tract data.
- Creation of heat maps for COVID-19 positivity rates, median income, and total tests.
- Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation coefficient.
Main Results:
- A negative correlation (r = -0.324) was found between COVID-19 positivity rate and median income.
- Lower median income areas showed higher COVID-19 positivity rates.
- Lower median income areas also had a lower total number of COVID-19 tests.
Conclusions:
- Median income is associated with COVID-19 testing accessibility and positivity rates.
- Socioeconomic status, specifically income, is a significant factor in pandemic disparities.
- Targeted public health interventions may be needed in lower-income communities.
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