The Association of Demographic Characteristics and Social Vulnerability with COVID-19 Outcomes

The Association of Demographic Characteristics and Social Vulnerability With COVID-19 Outcomes by Gloria Boone (Under the Direction of Gulzar Shah) ABSTRACT This research explored 102 Illinois counties\u27 COVID-19 data to determine whether demographic characteristics and social vulnerability are associated with increased vulnerability to COVID-19 infections and deaths. COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups and has been deadlier for African American and Hispanic people. The findings of this research will contribute to the knowledge base regarding social vulnerability and assist public health officials in targeting resources and designing interventions. This study used a retrospective cross-sectional design to assess demographic characteristics of race, gender, ethnicity, and social vulnerability to the increased likelihood of COVID-19 infections and deaths. Multiple regression was performed to assess COVID-19 outcomes with race, ethnicity, and gender. Results of the study found a positive association for COVID-19 infections with race, gender, minority status, poverty level, per capita income, children 17 and younger, disability status, and multi-unit housing. Results of the study also found positive associations for COVID-19 deaths in race, gender, minority status, English proficiency, poverty level, per capita income, children 17 and younger, households with a disability, and multi-unit housing. INDEX WORDS: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Ethnicity, Health disparities, SARS-CoV-2, Severe acute respiratory syndrome infection, Social vulnerability, Social vulnerability inde