How do the urban structure and unequal access to opportunities aggravate the spread of COVID-19 in Brazil?

This study examines how COVID-19 infections and deaths are linked to the urban structure of Brazilian cities, providing insights to support containment strategies for this and other diseases. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), it explores the direct influence of demographic, mobility, social vulnerability, and urban structure variables on COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. The study also investigates the relationship between urban sprawl and COVID-19 through a multidimensional analysis of urban compactness using the MIMIC model, incorporating demographic factors, social vulnerability, and access to opportunities. Findings reveal that more compact cities experience higher rates of infection and death, although the link between compactness and mortality is weaker. This disparity likely reflects better healthcare access and quality in compact areas. Additionally, variables such as access to opportunities and commuting patterns significantly influence urban compactness. These results underscore the complex interplay between urban structure and pandemic outcomes.