The aim of this knowledge transfer session is to describe our research on a series of population-based indicators using data available at the NB-IRDT. These indicators can identify New Brunswick communities and citizens that may be more vulnerable to negative consequences of COVID-19 or provide evidence to support planning for targeted intervention and resource allocation. This session will describe the six high-level indicators in each of the 33 health council communities and will provide a more in-depth look at specific vulnerabilities. For example, seniors who live alone, individuals with COVID-19 relevant physical health conditions or those with diagnosed mental health disorders. Population-based risk indicators such as these can inform regional efforts to limit spread and exacerbation of infection in those most at-risk, and in helping to identify the at-risk groups likely impacted by measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.

1. Planning for Community Resiliency in
Recovery from COVID-19 in NB
April 28, 2021
Dr. Sandra Magalhaes
Research Associate
Epidemiologist
Research Team: Madeleine Gorman-
Asal, Paramdeep Singh, Chandy
Somayaji

2. INTRODUCTION
• The pandemic has had a substantial impact on the daily lives of all
New Brunswickers
• Key measures put in place to control the spread of the virus such as
stay-at-home orders, reducing close contacts and physical
distancing measures can have differing impacts on residents
• Specifically, some population groups may be more vulnerable to
consequences of the key measures to limit spread
• Older adults
• Physical health conditions
• Mental health concerns
• Socioeconomically disadvantaged
• Additional measures to protect vulnerable populations can enhance
resiliency in recovery from the pandemic in New Brunswick
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3. The objective of our
research is to develop an
analytical framework that
facilitates generation of
community-level indicators
that are relevant to COVID-
19 pandemic planning and
recovery efforts in NB

4. METHODS

5. OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH PLAN
• Research conducted using research infrastructure at NB-IRDT
• Integrated knowledge translation process with stakeholders to
identify vulnerable populations and specific vulnerability/resiliency
factors relating to predetermined areas of focus
• Brainstorm and search literature to identify approaches or proxies to
serve as indicators relating to vulnerability/resiliency of vulnerable
populations
• Derive indicators using data available from NB-IRDT and open
sources
• Map indicators to display level for communities across NB
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6. • Conduct objective, rigorous and evidence-based research and program
evaluation to support GNB planning and policy development
• Host and provide access to person-level deidentified program data in a
highly secure research network (Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John sites) as
a data custodian
• Receive, link, host and analyze user-provided personal information from
clinical trials, observational studies, devices etc.
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NB-IRDT FUNCTIONS

7. AREAS OF FOCUS:
Potential Consequences of COVID-19
To support planning efforts, we are describing a range of indicators to identify
NB communities that may be at greater risk of negative impacts as a results of
the global pandemic, including:
(1) poor health outcomes associated with infection
(2) greater risk of infection in collective dwellings
(3) social isolation associated with shelter-in-place
(4) poor educational outcomes due to school closures
(5) financial vulnerability due to loss of employment
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8. POPULATION LEVEL DATASETS USED
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Dept of Health
• Citizen Database (Medicare)
• Hospital Discharge Abstracts
• Physician billing
• Vital Statistics death data
• Cancer and Breast Cancer
screening registries
• Chronic disease indicators
for mental health, diabetes, COPD,
hypertension, etc.
Dept of Social Development
• Income support program
participation
• Long term care
• Geographic data for nursing homes
and adult residential facilities
Dept of Education and Early
Childhood Development
•Early Years Evaluation
•Standardized testing
Other Sources
• New Brunswick Health Council
• Statistics Canada
• Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada

9. FIRST RELEASE – FALL 2020
INDICATORS
#1 Negative Health Outcomes Associated with COVID-19 Infection
• Prevalence of Multimorbidity with Relevant Physical Condition
#2 Greater Risk of Infection in Collective Dwellings
• Prevalence of Households with Children and Older Adults (65+)
#3 Mental Health Impacts Associated with Distancing Measures
• Prevalence of Mental Illness (Possible, Diagnosed, and Acute)
• Prevalence of Older Adults Living Alone
#4 Financial Vulnerability Associated with Employment Interruptions
• Prevalence of Single Parent Households
• Demographic Dependency Ratio
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10. 10
MAPPING NEW BRUNSWICK COMMUNITIES
• Population-based indicators will be mapped for communities across New
Brunswick
• We focus on administrative areas of interest to stakeholders
• Analytical framework is flexible and allows mapping for any type of geography that
is specified
• Indicators mapped using the 33 New Brunswick Health Council Communities
(HCCs), boundaries for other administrative areas will be layered on HCCs

11. RESULTS

12. COVID CONSEQUENCE #1:
Negative Outcomes Associated with COVID-19 Infection
Community Indicator: Multimorbidity with Relevant Physical Conditions
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13. COVID CONSEQUENCE #2:
Greater Risk of Infection in Collective Dwellings
Community Indicator: Households with Children and Older Adults
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14. COVID CONSEQUENCE #3:
Mental Health Impacts Associated with Distancing Measures
Community Indicator: Possible (a), Diagnosed (b), and Acute (c) Mental Health Concerns
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a. b.
c.

15. COVID CONSEQUENCE #3:
Mental Health Impacts Associated with Distancing Measures
Community Indicator: Older Adults Living Alone
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16. COVID CONSEQUENCE #5:
Financial Vulnerability Associated with Employment Interruptions
Community Indicator: Single Parent Homes
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17. COVID CONSEQUENCE #5:
Financial Vulnerability Associated with Employment Interruptions
Community Indicator: Dependency Ratio
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KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION
• Our first/preliminary release was prepared using a static document.
• Available at:
https://blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/_media/images/2020/12/covid-
resiliency.pdf
• Final release (upcoming) will be online using interactive tools
• Interactive mapping tools will allow users to explore the many
indicators

19. Physical Health and Collective-Dwellings
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20. Mental Health and Population Sub-Groups
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21. Final Release:
Poor Health Outcomes Associated with Infection
Physical Health indicators
stratified by:
• Mental Health
• Collective Dwellings
• Financial Vulnerability
• Age
• Vulnerable Groups
• Health Care Access
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Physical
Health
2+ Relevant
Conditions
Comorbidity
Immunization
Frailty

22. Final Release:
Greater Risk of Infection in Collective Dwellings
Collective dwelling
indicators stratified by:
• Mental Health
• Collective Dwellings
• Financial Vulnerability
• Age
• Vulnerable Groups
• Health Care Access
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Collective
Dwelling
Seniors and
Children
Household
Density
Nursing
Homes/
ARFs

23. Final Release:
Social Isolation Associated with Shelter-in-place
Mental Health indicators
stratified by:
• Physical health
• Collective Dwellings
• Financial Vulnerability
• Age
• Vulnerable groups
• Health Care Access
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Mental
Health
Any
Mental
Health
Severity
of
Mental
Health
Living
alone

24. Final Release:
Poor Educational Outcomes Due to School Closures
Education indicators
stratified by:
• Internet Connectivity
• Age
• Collective Dwellings
• Financial Vulnerability
• Vulnerable groups
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Education
Early Years
Evaluation
Standardized
Testing Scores

25. Final Release:
Financial Vulnerability Due to Loss of Employment
Physical Health indicators
stratified by:
• Mental Health
• Collective Dwellings
• Financial Vulnerability
• Age
• Vulnerable Groups
• Health Care Access
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Financial
Vulnerability
Material
Deprivation
Index
Residential
Instability
Economic
Dependency
Situational
Vulnerability
Single
Parent
Household

26. SUMMARY
Population-based risk indicators
• characterizing communities across NB may enhance resiliency
• helping to limit spread and exacerbations of infection among
those most at risk
• identifying at-risk groups most likely impacted by measures
to limit spread
• provide contextual information to support decision-making
• aid in planning and resource allocation
• highlight what interventions are needed and where
Our final report will be freely accessible to serve as a planning
tool for community resiliency in recovery from COVID-19 in NB
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27. Thank you!
Questions?