Risk for COVID-19 infection and death among Latinos in the United States: examining heterogeneity in transmission dynamics.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to ascertain COVID-19 transmission dynamics among Latino communities nationally. METHODS: We compared predictors of COVID-19 cases and deaths between disproportionally Latino counties (≥17.8% Latino population) and all other counties through May 11, 2020. Adjusted rate ratios (aRRs) were estimated using COVID-19 cases and deaths via zero-inflated binomial regression models. RESULTS: COVID-19 diagnoses rates were greater in Latino counties nationally (90.9 vs. 82.0 per 100,000). In multivariable analysis, COVID-19 cases were greater in Northeastern and Midwestern Latino counties (aRR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.11-1.84, and aRR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.57-1.85, respectively). COVID-19 deaths were greater in Midwestern Latino counties (aRR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04-1.34). COVID-19 diagnoses were associated with counties with greater monolingual Spanish speakers, employment rates, heart disease deaths, less social distancing, and days since the first reported case. COVID-19 deaths were associated with household occupancy density, air pollution, employment, days since the first reported case, and age (fewer <35 yo). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 risks and deaths among Latino populations differ by region. Structural factors place Latino populations and particularly monolingual Spanish speakers at elevated risk for COVID-19 acquisition.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Rodriguez-Diaz, CE; Guilamo-Ramos, V; Mena, L; Hall, E; Honermann, B; Crowley, JS; Baral, S; Prado, GJ; Marzan-Rodriguez, M; Beyrer, C; Sullivan, PS; Millett, GA

Published Date

  • December 2020

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 52 /

Start / End Page

  • 46 - 53.e2

PubMed ID

  • 32711053

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC7375962

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1873-2585

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.annepidem.2020.07.007

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States