Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives

Original Articles

A spatial analysis of the association between social vulnerability and the cumulative number of confirmed deaths from COVID-19 in United States counties through November 14, 2020: Baksun Sung; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2021;12(3):149-157. Published online June 2, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2020.0372

Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Objectives
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is classified as a natural hazard, and social vulnerability describes the susceptibility of social groups to potential damages from natural hazards. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the association between social vulnerability and the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths (per 100,000) in 3,141 United States counties.
Methods
The cumulative number of COVID-19 deaths was obtained from USA Facts. Variables related to social vulnerability were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index and the 2018 5-Year American Community Survey. Data were analyzed using spatial autoregression models.
Results
Lowest income and educational level, as well as high proportions of single parent households, mobile home residents, and people without health insurance were positively associated with a high cumulative number of COVID-19 deaths.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are regional differences in the cumulative number of COVID-19 deaths in United States counties, which are affected by various social vulnerabilities. Hence, these findings underscore the need to take social vulnerability into account when planning interventions to reduce COVID-19 deaths.

Spatial Distribution Analysis of Scrub Typhus in Korea: Hong Sung Jin, Chaeshin Chu, Dong Yeob Han; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2013;4(1):4-15. Published online February 28, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrp.2012.12.007

Abstract PDF: Objective: This study analyzes the spatial distribution of scrub typhus in Korea.
Methods
A spatial distribution of Orientia tsutsugamushi occurrence using a geographic information system (GIS) is presented, and analyzed by means of spatial clustering and correlations.
Results
The provinces of Gangwon-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do show a low incidence throughout the year. Some districts have almost identical environmental conditions of scrub typhus incidence. The land use change of districts does not directly affect the incidence rate.
Conclusion
GIS analysis shows the spatial characteristics of scrub typhus. This research can be used to construct a spatial-temporal model to understand the epidemic tsutsugamushi.

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