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

Ann Epidemiol. 2020 Dec:52:46-53.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2020.07.007. Epub 2020 Jul 23.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; Disparity; Hispanic; Latino; Race.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / ethnology
  • Coronavirus Infections / mortality*
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Local Government
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / ethnology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / mortality*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / transmission
  • Population Surveillance
  • Residence Characteristics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • United States / epidemiology