COVID-19 and overall mortality inequities in the surge in death rates by zip code characteristics: Massachusetts, January 1 to May 19, 2020

Abstract

Objectives. To address evidence gaps in COVID-19 mortality inequities resulting from inadequate race/ethnicity data and no socioeconomic data. Methods. We analyzed age-standardized death rates in Massachusetts by weekly time intervals, comparing rates for January 1 to May 19, 2020, with the corresponding historical average for 2015 to 2019 stratified by zip code social metrics. Results. At the surge peak (week 16, April 15-21), mortality rate ratios (comparing 2020 vs 2015-2019) were 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4, 3.5) and 2.7 (95% CI = 1.4, 5.5) for the lowest and highest zip code tabulation area (ZCTA) poverty categories, respectively, with the 2020 peak mortality rate 1.1 (95% CI = 1.0, 1.3) times higher in the highest than the lowest poverty ZCTA. Similarly, rate ratios were significantly elevated for the highest versus lowest quintiles with respect to household crowding (1.7; 95% CI = 1.0, 2.9), racialized economic segregation (3.1; 95% CI = 1.8, 5.3), and percentage population of color (1.8; 95% CI = 1.6, 2.0). Conclusions. The COVID-19 mortality surge exhibited large inequities. Public Health Implications. Using zip code social metrics can guide equity-oriented COVID-19 prevention and mitigation efforts.