ABSTRACT
This study sought to classify and assign the 64 parishes in Louisiana into distinctive spatial-temporal clusters based on their trends in the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases. A secondary goal of this study was to assess the potential role of HIV prevalence rate, behavioral health patterns, and pre-existing sociodemographic conditions in determining the parish’s resilience and susceptibility to COVID-19. The empirical work of this study was based on data obtained from the USA Facts, Louisiana Department of Health, and County Health Rankings. Spatial-temporal cluster analyses and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression were used to assess the aims of this study. Results from spatial-temporal cluster analyses and OLS regression suggested that COVID-19 and HIV prevention and testing should be integrated. Emergency response planning and mitigation should focus on parishes that face double jeopardy in COVID-19 and HIV infections, such as East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, and Orleans, and to a lesser extent, in Caddo, Lafayette, Ouachita, Calcasieu, and St. Tammany. Parishes with high population, high levels of Black–White segregation and high percentages of the non-Hispanic Black population, adults who were excessive drinkers, adults with diabetes, and low educated individuals would also benefit from additional support from health policymakers and practitioners.
