UC Irvine

This study examines the association between demographic and zip code related factors and SARS-CoV-2 testing positivity among children ages 0-11 in Orange County, California to determine potential risk predictors. We used a retrospective analysis and the OCHCA database to calculate these effects. Our study found that children who identified as Hispanic or Latine, or were categorized as “Other” were most at risk for testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, even after adjusting for age, sex, race, and taking into account zip code-related factors. In addition, zip code related average income and population densities exhibited protective and increased odds, respectively. However, our study also acknowledges the limitations present, including the use of zip code level information in place of individual level information that was not present, and the probable biases involved in passive collection methods. Despite these limitations, the study provides important insight into potential predictors that may be contributing to disparities in SARS-CoV-2 testing rates among Orange County children and highlights the need for community-based efforts to reduce the burden on the most at risk.