Health Impacts of COVID-19 and Area-Level Deprivation in Ireland

Abstract

This study examines COVID-19 infection rates and ICU admission rates in deprived areas in Ireland. Using area-level data from Electoral Division (ED) areas, the Pobal Haase-Pratschke Relative Deprivation Index (henceforth HP deprivation index) and Census data, the analysis finds that infection rates in the most deprived areas were about a third higher than those in affluent areas, even after controlling for age, minority communities, and communal establishments. Higher ICU admission rates are linked to minority communities, older populations, and poorer health. Non-deprived areas in border counties also exhibited notably high infection rates, highlighting the need for coordinated public health responses across jurisdictions. The findings highlight important policy implications for addressing inequalities in public health across Ireland and underscore the importance of addressing pre-existing health disparities and targeting pandemic planning efforts to mitigate the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.