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The Social and Natural Environment’s Impact on SARS-CoV-2 Infections in the UK Biobank

Author

Listed:
  • Ryan J. Scalsky

    (Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA)

  • Yi-Ju Chen

    (Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA)

  • Zhekang Ying

    (Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA)

  • James A. Perry

    (Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA)

  • Charles C. Hong

    (Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA)

Abstract

COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic with considerable impact. Studies have examined the influence of socioeconomic status and air pollution on COVID-19 risk but in low detail. This study seeks to further elucidate the nuances of socioeconomic status, as defined by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), air pollution, and their relationship. We examined the effect of IMD and air pollution on the likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 among 66,732 UKB participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 from 16 March 2020 through 16 March 2021. Logistic regression was performed controlling for age, sex, ancestry and IMD or air pollution in the respective models. IMD and its sub-scores were significantly associated with increased risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. All particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen oxide (NO x ), and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) levels were associated with increased likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Measures of green space and natural environment around participants’ homes were associated with reduced likelihood of SARS-CoV-2. Socioeconomic status and air pollution have independent effects on the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Green space and natural environment space in the proximity of people’s homes may mediate the effect of air pollution on the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan J. Scalsky & Yi-Ju Chen & Zhekang Ying & James A. Perry & Charles C. Hong, 2022. "The Social and Natural Environment’s Impact on SARS-CoV-2 Infections in the UK Biobank," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-9, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:1:p:533-:d:717254
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hystad, Perry & Carpiano, Richard M. & Demers, Paul A. & Johnson, Kenneth C. & Brauer, Michael, 2013. "Neighbourhood socioeconomic status and individual lung cancer risk: Evaluating long-term exposure measures and mediating mechanisms," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 95-103.
    2. Andrew Steptoe & Steptoe Zaninotto, 2020. "Lower socioeconomic status and the acceleration of aging: An outcome-wide analysis," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 117(26), pages 14911-14917, June.
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