Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1761-3439

Date of Award

Summer 6-20-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Urban Studies

First Advisor

Erin Ruel

Second Advisor

Fei Li

Third Advisor

Amy Spring

Abstract

This dissertation examines the uneven impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on racialized populations through differential exposure and differential effects. It analyzes how variations in physical and social environments contribute to disparities in COVID-19 mortality among racialized groups and explores the differential effects on mental health across racial lines.

The first chapter investigates the impact of urban physical and social factors, such as air pollution and social vulnerability, on COVID-19 mortality disparities. It finds that environmental hazards, particularly urban air pollution, increase mortality risks for Blacks and Hispanics. Data from five sources, including the CDC’s COVID-19 Case Surveillance, and EPA’s EJscreen, were used, covering 1,526,418 cases.

The second chapter examines the urban-rural divide in COVID-19 health outcomes, considering physical and social environments. The chapter identifies significant differences in mortality driven by variations in healthcare access and demographics. The study highlights the need to address healthcare disparities and environmental justice to mitigate the pandemic's impact on rural areas. Data from sources, including the CDC’s and County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, were analyzed, with a final sample of 1,611,874 observations.

A multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted for both chapters. Chapter 1 examined the relationship between air pollution, socioeconomic and health variables, and COVID-19 mortality in urban settings, while Chapter 2 focused on the urban-rural divide. The logistic regression model accounted for the hierarchical structure of the data, with individual-level observations nested within counties.

The third chapter explores the differential effects of COVID-19 on mental health, focusing on how socioeconomic factors and racial inequalities influence anxiety and depression. The study finds that despite higher SES Blacks do not benefit equally in mental health outcomes compared to Whites. Data from the Household Pulse Survey were used, covering 885,495 observations.

This dissertation shows that racial minorities face increased risks of COVID-19 health outcomes due to environmental and social vulnerabilities, demonstrating how physical and social environments, combined with pre-existing conditions, shape health outcomes for racialized populations. These groups also experience mental health consequences influenced by SES. This dissertation highlights the need to address systemic inequities and environmental risks to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/37371604

Download

Share

COinS