Spatial epidemiology characteristics and influencing factors of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shaanxi province

Objective  To describe the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases in Shaanxi Province and further explore its relevant factors, so as to provide evidence for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in Shaanxi Province.  Methods  The information of confirmed COVID-19 cases and relevant socioeconomic data in Shaanxi Province were collected. The temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of confirmed cases, and the correlation between the incidence of COVID-19 and socioeconomic factors in the population were analyzed by using a generalized linear model.  Results  Four cases were first reported in Shaanxi on 23 January 2020, with the highest number of new confirmed cases reaching 23 on 4 February and no new cases after 19 February. The imported cases appeared earlier and reached the new peak than the local cases, and entered the zero stage earlier than the local cases. The spatial distribution showed that Xi′ an (120 cases) had the largest number of confirmed cases, accounting for 48.98% of the total cases, and the districts with more confirmed cases were in Lianhu, Yanta, Xincheng and Weiyang. Socioeconomic factors which significantly associated with the number of confirmed cases in each district and country were education expenditure (IRR=0.287, 95% CI: 0.134-0.612), GDP per capita (IRR=1.143, 95% CI: 1.049-1.245) and the distance from Wuhan (IRR=0.995, 95% CI: 0.992-0.998).  Conclusion  Measures should be taken in key areas and population at the early stage of the epidemic to control the spread of the epidemic as soon as possible.