Spatial variations in perceptions, risks and impacts of COVID-19 in relation to socio-economic vulnerability in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

This study aims to spatially characterize and explain the differences in people’s perceptions regarding the impact of COVID-19, based on socio-economic disparities in Gauteng using choropleth mapping and Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression (GWPR). Socio-economic factors such as race, education level, and age were spatially modelled to explain people’s perceptions of the effects of COVID-19. The results were spatially variable, and respondents in municipalities with a High Socio-economic Risk Index (e.g. Merafong, Mogale City, and Lesedi) reported worse conditions, less COVID-19 information, and greater despair during the pandemic. This underscores the necessity for policymakers to prioritize resources and interventions in these areas to address underlying challenges effectively and improve people’s overall well-being. The findings also point to the complexity of socio-economic factors in spatially characterizing social risk and vulnerability, as attested to by other studies during and after the pandemic. Additionally, the negative sentiments expressed by people from these locations highlight the need for more targeted interventions by the government to cushion the province’s residents from the continued negative impacts of COVID-19. The results also indicate where socioeconomic risks and vulnerability exist geographically, which may help allocate resources effectively to specific areas with the greatest needs.