The Impacts of Neighborhood Disparities on US Population Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review and Policy Analysis for Future Response

Abstract

Introduction/Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted major aspects of daily life since its emergence in late 2019, impacting health and well-being worldwide. Aside from genetic predisposition, numerous external factors play key roles in determining levels of disease susceptibility and overall health status. Aim/Objectives: This review and policy analysis sought to examine literature focused on the impact of neighborhood environments on population health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Examined studies explore the impacts of various aspects of the neighborhood environment (i.e., walkability, transportation, access to healthcare/vaccination, etc.) during the COVID-19 era on population health and well-being. Methods: Databases were searched for studies published from March 2020 to August 2022. Selected studies examine the impacts of various aspects of the neighborhood environment (i.e., walkability, transportation, access to healthcare/vaccination, climate, crime rates, persistent poverty, the social spread of misinformation, etc.) during the COVID-19 era on population health and well-being. Results: Findings from our review suggest that those living in less-than-favorable environments were faced with significant challenges, making vulnerable populations more prone to the severity of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: We argue these results establish cause for the consideration of the effects of neighborhood environments in developing intelligent intervention strategies for both pandemic recovery and preparation for future public health emergencies, especially among vulnerable populations.