Roar Articles

Commuting Patterns Affected Spread, Death Rates of COVID-19

Research conducted by:

Christopher Seto, doctoral candidate in sociology and criminology, Penn State, Aria Khademi, doctoral candidate in information sciences and technology, Penn State, Corina Graif, associate professor of sociology and criminology, Penn State, Vasant Honavar, Professor and Edward Frymoyer Chair of Information Sciences and Technology

Tags:

commuting COVID-19 data science and diversity diversity health pandemic population mobility

Research Summary:

This study explored how population mobility flows form commuting networks across the country. The findings suggest that commuting is an important causal mechanism in the spread of COVID-19. The results suggest that local-level mitigation and prevention efforts are more effective when complemented by similar efforts in the network of connected places. The study also highlighted the significance of interconnected of communities.

How Roar played a role in this research:

The researchers performed computational experiments on Roar.

Publication Details

Article Title:

Commuting Network Spillovers and COVID-19 Deaths Across U.S. Counties

Published In:

Population Association of America Annual Meeting

Abstract:

This study explored how population mobility flows form commuting networks across US counties and influence the spread of COVID-19. We utilized 3-level mixed effects negative binomial regression models to estimate the impact of network COVID-19 exposure on county confirmed cases and deaths over time. We also conducted weighting-based analyses to estimate the causal effect of network exposure. Results showed that commuting networks matter for COVID-19 deaths and cases, net of spatial proximity, socioeconomic, and demographic factors. Different local racial and ethnic concentrations are also associated with unequal outcomes. These findings suggest that commuting is an important causal mechanism in the spread of COVID-19 and highlight the significance of interconnected of communities. The results suggest that local level mitigation and prevention efforts are more effective when complemented by similar efforts in the network of connected places. Implications for research on inequality in health and flexible work arrangements are discussed.

View article on publisher's website

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