The Spatial Variability of COVID-19 in Massachusetts: Implications for Sustainable Development
Wang, Peiyao.
2021
-
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2021.
Submitted to the Dept. of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.
Advisor: Sumeeta Srinivasan.
Committee: Mary Davis.
Keywords: Urban planning, and Environmental health.
The goal of this thesis is to understand the spatial variability of COVID-19 incidence rates across Massachusetts cities and towns while ... read morecontrolling for socioeconomic and urban built environment factors. A dataset which included nine socio-economic indicators and eight built environment indicators was collated. These variables were used to explain the spatial variability of COVID-19 incidence using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Spatial Error (SE) regressions as well as Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). Principle Component Analysis (PCA), were used to create new built environment variables that could help reduce multicollinearity.The results of the analysis suggest that built environment, education and the percentage of renter-occupied housing units significantly predict COVID-19 incidence rates across the state. The GWR also suggested that these significant predictors of COVID-19 incidence rate varied locally within the state. Urban planners and policymakers need to work on addressing inequity of access not only in education and housing but also access to non-motorized vehicle and green spaces in communities which were found to be harder hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.read less - ID:
- rb68xs57q
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
- Usage:
- Detailed Rights
