Trop Med Int Health. 2022 Feb 6. doi: 10.1111/tmi.13731. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To analyze the spatial distribution of rates of COVID-19 cases and its association with socioeconomic conditions in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.
METHODS: Autocorrelation (Moran Index) and spatial association (Geographically Weighted Regression) models were used to explain the interrelationships between municipalities and the possible effects of socioeconomic factors on rates.
RESULTS: Two isolated clusters were revealed in the inner part of the state in sparsely inhabited municipalities. The spatial model (Geographically Weighted Regression) was able to explain 50% of the variations in COVID-19 cases. The variables proportion of people with low income, percentage of rented homes, percentage of families in social programs, Gini index and running water had the greatest explanatory power for the increase in infection by COVID-19.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide important information on socioeconomic factors related to the spread of COVID-19 and can serve as a basis for decision-making in similar circumstances.
PMID:35128767 | DOI:10.1111/tmi.13731
