Work

Determinants of COVID-19 prevalence in Central Java, Indonesia: An ecological study of socio-demographic, environmental, and healthcare factors

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: value of 0.66, better accounted for regional variations, especially in central and eastern regions. The findings indicate that traveler mobility and the spatial distribution of community health workers are linked to increased COVID-19 prevalence, whereas environmental health workers are associated with a protective result, but these are associations at the aggregate (district/city) level and may be influenced by confounding or reverse causation. Structural factors such as unequal access to resources, healthcare, and sanitation, driven by tourism-induced social inequality, contribute to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities, making it essential for policymakers to address these disparities to protect both local populations and visitors. The study recommends regulating risk-based tourist activities, expanding the environmental health workforce, and enhancing spatial monitoring systems to inform evidence-based health policy.

Source: Dialogues in Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100263

Authors: Iqbal Ardiansyah, Agus Subagiyo, Arif widyanto, Army Mitasari

Institutions: Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Semarang

Language: English

Topic: COVID-19 epidemiological studies

Subfield: Modeling and Simulation

Field: Mathematics

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,130