scholarly journals Spatial Modeling of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9488
Author(s):  
Abolfazl Mollalo ◽  
Moosa Tatar
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Vulnerability Index ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Social Vulnerability Index ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Public Health Decision ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
The Impact

Vaccine hesitancy refers to delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccine services. Despite the efforts of United States healthcare providers to vaccinate the bulk of its population, vaccine hesitancy is still a severe challenge that has led to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases to over 100,000 people during early August 2021. To our knowledge, there are limited nationwide studies that examined the spatial distribution of vaccination rates, mainly based on the social vulnerability index (SVI). In this study, we compiled a database of the percentage of fully vaccinated people at the county scale across the continental United States as of 29 July 2021, along with SVI data as potential significant covariates. We further employed multiscale geographically weighted regression to model spatial nonstationarity of vaccination rates. Our findings indicated that the model could explain over 79% of the variance of vaccination rate based on Per capita income and Minority (%) (with positive impacts), and Age 17 and younger (%), Mobile homes (%), and Uninsured people (%) (with negative effects). However, the impact of each covariate varied for different counties due to using separate optimal bandwidths. This timely study can serve as a geospatial reference to support public health decision-makers in forming region-specific policies in monitoring vaccination programs from a geographic perspective.

scholarly journals Modeling the COVID-19 Vaccination Dynamics in the United States: An Estimation of Coverage Velocity and Carrying Capacity Based on Socio-demographic Vulnerability Indices in California

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Bruckhaus ◽  
Aidin Abedi ◽  
Sana Salehi ◽  
Trevor A Pickering ◽  
Yujia Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Vulnerability Index ◽  
The United States ◽  
Household Composition ◽  
Social Vulnerability Index ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Group Methods ◽  
The Social ◽  
Data Points ◽  
Maximum Proportion

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disparities among vulnerable populations are a paramount concern that extends to COVID-19 vaccine administration. We aim to better characterize the scope of vaccine inequity in California by comparing the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) of California counties and respective vaccination rates, modeling the growth rate and anticipated maximum proportion of individuals vaccinated by SVI group. Methods: Overall SVI, its four themes, and 9228 data points of daily vaccination numbers across all 58 California counties were used to model, overall and by theme, growth velocity of proportion of population vaccinated and the expected maximum proportion of individuals (at least 1 dose of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) that will be vaccinated for each theme. Results: Overall high vulnerability counties in California have lower vaccine coverage velocity compared to low and moderate vulnerability counties. The largest disparity in coverage velocity between low and highly vulnerable counties was observed in Theme 3 (minority status & language). However, our model showed that highly vulnerable counties based on Theme 3 are expected to eventually achieve a higher proportion of vaccinated individuals compared to low vulnerable counterparts if current trajectories continue. Counties in the overall low vulnerability category are estimated to achieve a higher proportion of vaccinated individuals when compared to high and moderate vulnerable counties, assuming current trajectories. The largest disparity in asymptotic proportion vaccinated between high and low vulnerable counties was observed in Theme 2 (household composition & disability). Conclusion: This study provides insight into the problem of COVID-19 vaccine disparity across California which can be used to help promote equity during the current pandemic as well as guide the allocation of future vaccines such as COVID-19 booster shots.

Abstract 16562: Association of County-Level Social Vulnerability Index and Cardiovascular Disease in the United States, 1999-2018

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin R Youmans ◽  
Megan E McCabe ◽  
Clyde W Yancy ◽  
Lucia Petito ◽  
Kiarri N Kershaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Social Vulnerability ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Vulnerability Index ◽  
The United States ◽  
County Level ◽  
Social Vulnerability Index ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cvd Mortality

Introduction: Social determinants of health are multi-dimensional and span various interrelated domains. In order to inform community-engaged clinical and policy efforts, we sought to examine the association between a national social vulnerability index (SVI) and age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) of CVD. Hypothesis: Higher county-level SVI or greater vulnerability will be associated with higher AAMR of CVD between 1999-2018 in the United States. Methods: In this serial, cross-sectional analysis, we queried CDC WONDER for age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population for cardiovascular disease (I00-78) at the county-level between 1999-2018. We quantified the association of county-level SVI and CVD AAMR using Spearman correlation coefficients and examined trends in CVD AAMR stratified by median SVI at the county-level. Finally, we performed geospatial county-level analysis stratified by combined median SVI and CVD AAMR (high/high, high/low, low/high, and low/low). Results: We included data from 2766 counties (representing 95% of counties in the US) with median SVI 0.53 (IQR 0.28, 0.76). Overall SVI and the household and socioeconomic subcomponents were strongly correlated with 2018 CVD AAMR (0.47, 0.50, and 0.56, respectively with p<0.001 for all). CVD mortality declined between 1999-2011 and was stagnant between 2011-2018 with similar patterns in high and low SVI counties (FIGURE). Counties with high SVI and CVD AAMR were clustered in the South and Midwest (n=977, 35%). Conclusion: County-level social vulnerability is associated with higher CVD mortality. High SVI and CVD AAMR coexist in more than 1 in 3 US counties and have persisted over the past 2 decades. Identifying counties that are disproportionately vulnerable may inform targeted and community-based strategies to equitably improve cardiovascular health across the country.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Are Lowest among Political Outsiders in the United States

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byungkyu Lee ◽  
James Chu
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Presidential Elections ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccination Rate ◽  
Longitudinal Survey ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Longitudinal Survey Data ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The U.S

Vaccine hesitancy is a critical barrier to widespread vaccination uptake and containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States, vaccines have become politically polarized, with high rates of vaccine hesitancy observed among Republicans. In contrast to prior research focusing on partisan gaps, we investigate vaccination attitudes and uptake among a group overlooked in prior research: those who are eligible to vote but did not register in the presidential elections. Drawing on nationally representative and longitudinal survey data from April 2020 to October 2021, we show that this group – whom we call “political outsiders” – represents about 16% of the U.S. population. They had the lowest vaccination rate (47%) by 2021 October, significantly lower than Republican (65%), Independent (76%), and Democratic voters (88%). Further, we find that political outsiders are less likely to trust physicians compared to other partisan groups. Because the sources they trust differ from partisans, existing public health messaging may be less likely to reach them successfully. Finally, we find that political outsiders experience more socio-economic hardships and are less integrated into society. Hence, our results underscore the importance of targeted efforts to reach this highly vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Medicinal Plant Use Amongst the Hispanic Population in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim M. Grafford ◽  
Marcelo J. Nieto ◽  
Catherine D. Santanello
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Hispanic Population ◽  
Plant Use ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Medicinal plant use in the United States has increased as reported by the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health and U.S. Census Bureau.However, little is known about how many minority groups in the United States use medicinal plants.There is a rise in the Hispanic population; a community with a steep tradition of medicinal plant use, in the U.S., so understanding the perceptions of medicinal plant use is useful to healthcare providers. Methods: A survey was designed to gauge a better understanding of the perceptions of medicinal plant use amongst Latino patients with varying education levels who reside in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Survey questions highlighted the perceptions of medicinal plants use, patient communication regarding medicinal plant use with healthcare providers (pharmacists and doctors), and the impact the education level has on medicinal plant use. Results: Surveys were distributed to six different investigational sites around the St. Louis Metropolitan Area from August 2015 to December 2015. Survey respondents identified 45 different plants/herbs that they currently use or had used at some point in their life. Those with higher levels of education had varying opinions on medicinal plant use with their current practices. Conclusion: The participants’ high interest in the use of medicinal plants exemplifies the need for enhanced communication between patients and healthcare professionals about medicinal plant use. However, it was hard to determine whether the participants’ level of education had any direct relationship to this use. Conflict of Interest None   Type: Original Research

scholarly journals Changing the Narrative: Structural Barriers and Racial and Ethnic Inequities in COVID-19 Vaccination

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9904
Author(s):  
Anuli Njoku ◽  
Marcelin Joseph ◽  
Rochelle Felix
Keyword(s):  
Minority Groups ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Structural Barriers ◽  
Structural Racism ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Promising Solution ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Although a promising solution of the COVID-19 vaccination offers hope, disparities in access again threaten the health of these communities. Various explanations have arisen for the cause of disparate vaccination rates among racial and ethnic minorities, including discussion of vaccine hesitancy. Conversely, the role of vaccine accessibility rooted in structural racism as a driver in these disparities should be further explored. This paper discusses the impact of structural barriers on racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake. We also recommend public health, health system, and community-engaged approaches to reduce racial disparities in COVID-19 disease and mortality.

scholarly journals Real-Time CDC Consultation during the COVID-19 Pandemic—United States, March–July 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7251
Author(s):  
Daniel Wozniczka ◽  
Hanna B. Demeke ◽  
Angela M. Thompson-Paul ◽  
Ugonna Ijeoma ◽  
Tonya Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
The Impact

Context: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) clinicians provided real-time telephone consultation to healthcare providers, public health practitioners, and health department personnel. Objective: To describe the demographic and public health characteristics of inquiries, trends, and correlation of inquiries with national COVID-19 case reports. We summarize the results of real-time CDC clinician consultation service provided during 11 March to 31 July 2020 to understand the impact and utility of this service by CDC for the COVID-19 pandemic emergency response and for future outbreak responses. Design: Clinicians documented inquiries received including information about the call source, population for which guidance was sought, and a detailed description of the inquiry and resolution. Descriptive analyses were conducted, with a focus on characteristics of callers as well as public health and clinical content of inquiries. Setting: Real-time telephone consultations with CDC Clinicians in Atlanta, GA. Participants: Health care providers and public health professionals who called CDC with COVID-19 related inquiries from throughout the United States. Main Outcome Measures: Characteristics of inquiries including topic of inquiry, inquiry population, resolution, and demographic information. Results: A total of 3154 COVID-19 related telephone inquiries were answered in real-time. More than half (62.0%) of inquiries came from frontline healthcare providers and clinical sites, followed by 14.1% from state and local health departments. The majority of inquiries focused on issues involving healthcare workers (27.7%) and interpretation or application of CDC’s COVID-19 guidance (44%). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a substantial number of inquiries to CDC, with the large majority originating from the frontline clinical and public health workforce. Analysis of inquiries suggests that the ongoing focus on refining COVID-19 guidance documents is warranted, which facilitates bidirectional feedback between the public, medical professionals, and public health authorities.

scholarly journals Assessment of Social Vulnerability to Wildfire in Missouri, United States of America

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Omolola Victoria Akinola ◽  
Jimmy Adegoke ◽  
Temi Emmanuel Ologunorisa
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Social Vulnerability ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Vulnerability Index ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Vulnerability Index ◽  
Wildfire Risk ◽  
Property Loss

Wildfire is a major environmental hazard causing property damage and destruction including biodiversity loss in the United States. In order to reduce property loss and destruction arising from wildfire, this study assessed and identified social vulnerability to wildfire in Missouri using the American Community Survey data on social and demographic variables for the state of Missouri and social vulnerability index (S0VI). The study divided Missouri into five geopolitical zones from which ten counties were randomly selected for this study. The selected counties formed the basis on which fourteen social and demographic indicators were identified and assessed using Bogardi, Birkmann and Cadona conceptual framework. The result of the analysis shows that S0VI estimated for the five geopolitical zones of Missouri is moderate with a rating scale of 1.42 &ndash; 1.71. Education, income and marital status have a rating scale of 2.0 - 3.0 attributed for the high value of Social Vulnerability to wildfire. Race / ethnicity, language spoken, employment and percentage of house units that are mobile homes had a low S0VI value of 1.0 thereby contributing positively to resilience to wildfire risk. The study observes that government involvement in wildfire risk reduction is quite impressive and should still be intensified. The policy implication of this study is that education and income are key variables that contribute to high wildfire risk in Missouri. The need for government to formulate a policy on environmental education of the populace especially for people of low income and education become imperative. This will go a long way in reducing damage and property loss arising from wildfire.

scholarly journals Addressing Parental Vaccine Hesitancy and Other Barriers to Childhood/Adolescent Vaccination Uptake During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olufunto A. Olusanya ◽  
Robert A. Bednarczyk ◽  
Robert L. Davis ◽  
Arash Shaban-Nejad
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Policy Decision ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Children And Adolescent ◽  
Vaccination Rates

Routine childhood immunizations are proven to be one of the most effective public health interventions at controlling numerous deadly diseases. Therefore, the CDC recommends routine immunizations for children and adolescent populations against vaccine-preventable diseases e.g., tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria, etc. This current review sought to examine barriers to pediatric vaccine uptake behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explored the implications for parental vaccine hesitancy/delay during an ongoing health crisis and proposed recommendations for increasing vaccine confidence and compliance. Our review determined that the receipt for vaccinations steadily improved in the last decade for both the United States and Tennessee. However, this incremental progress has been forestalled by the COVID-19 pandemic and other barriers i.e. parental vaccine hesitancy, social determinants of health (SDoH) inequalities, etc. which further exacerbate vaccination disparities. Moreover, non-compliance to routine vaccinations could cause an outbreak of diseases, thereby, worsening the ongoing health crisis and already strained health care system. Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to offer effective recommendations with presumptive languaging to increase vaccination rates, as well as, address parental vaccine hesitancy. Best practices that incorporate healthcare providers’ quality improvement coaching, vaccination reminder recall systems, adherence to standardized safety protocols (physical distancing, hand hygiene practices, etc.), as well as, offer telehealth and outdoor/drive-through/curbside vaccination services, etc. are warranted. Additionally, a concerted effort should be made to utilize public health surveillance systems to collect, analyze, and interpret data, thereby, ensuring the dissemination of timely, accurate health information for effective health policy decision-making e.g., vaccine distribution, etc.

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