Risk factors for increased COVID-19 case-fatality in the United States: A county-level analysis during the first wave
Open Access
- 14 October 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Public Library of Science (PLoS) in PLOS ONE
- Vol. 16 (10), e0258308
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258308
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-19 CFR in US counties, we hope to help officials target public health interventions and healthcare resources to locations that are at increased risk of COVID-19 fatalities.Funding Information
- National Science Foundation (DGE-1256260)
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1F32HD093185-03)
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (T32HD040128)
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