Economic and Social Research Institute

Anne DevlinSeamus McGuinness

No

6216-1529-39AF-2515-B3F3-C70A

It has been well documented internationally that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been disproportionately felt by low-income households, both from health and economic perspectives. Many low paid workers are in essential occupations, such as retail and medical auxiliary services, and have a higher exposure to the virus. Low-income households are also more likely to be of higher density, which makes social distancing problematic leading to a greater spread of the virus. In this study, we propose to explore the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and spatial variations in social deprivation. Using COVID-19 infection rate at SOA/ward level we will begin by undertaking a descriptive exercise that provides an indication of the extent to which COVID-19 infection rates were disproportionately higher, or lower, than expected given population. A ratio greater than 1 will indicate a higher density of COVID-19 infections relative to what would be projected for the given population. We will then assess the extent to which any variations from the expected average at the SOA/ward level varied by the level of deprivation (measured through the Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure, 2017). We will more formally measure this relationship by estimating a model whereby the dependant variable will be a binary measure indicating that the SOA/ward has a higher than expected incidence of COVID-19 infections. X is a set of area control variables derived from the census and other available data reflecting factors that will potentially impact the COVID-19 infection rate. And the main variable of interest will be deprivation at the SOA/ward level.

It has been documented internationally that deprived areas have been affected disproportionately by the pandemic in numerous ways. This research sets out to examine whether deprived areas in Northern Ireland have seen higher levels of COVID-19 infection rates that more affluent areas. This will be an important research question both in terms of recovery from the current pandemic and also in the event of future pandemics or endemics. Given the nature of the data analysis used none of the work would risk any disclosure. We are interested in SOA/ward level data rather than individuals.

15/04/2022

(e) processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;

(j) processing is necessary for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) based on Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject.

Not applicable

One-off

I will link the data with the NI multiple deprivation measure and possibly (although it may not be necessary) with some area level data form the census. All of this will be done at the geographic level and not on an individual basis.

Release

All data will be aggregated for any dissemination or publication. We are mostly interested in the results at SOA/ward level and even at that in the overall relationship between deprivation and infection rate. Disclosure controls will be considered throughout the study in terms of small cell sizes etc but it is very unlikely there would be any such issues.