A Pilot Study Using Financial Transactions’ Spatial Information to Define High-Risk Neighborhoods and Distribution Pattern of Covid-19 Publisher



Mohammadi E¹ ; Azmin M¹ ; Fattahi N¹ ; Ghasemi E¹ ; Azadnajafabad S¹ ; Rezaei N^{1, 2} ; Rashidi MM¹ ; Keykhaei M¹ ; Zokaei H^{1, 2} ; Rezaei N^{1, 2} ; Haghshenas R¹ ; Kaveh F³ ; Pakatchian E¹ ; Jamshidi H⁴ Show All Authors Show Affiliations
Source: Digital Health Published:2022

Abstract

Background: Development of surveillance systems based on big data sources with spatial information is necessitated more than ever during this pandemic. Here, we present our pilot results of a new technique for the incorporation of spatial information of transactions and a vital registry of COVID-19 to evaluate the disease spread. Methods: We merged two databases of laboratory-confirmed national COVID-19 registry of Iran and financial transactions of point-of-sale devices from February to March 2020 as our training data sources. Spatial information was used for the visualization of maps and movements of sick individuals. We used the point-of-sale devices-related guild to check for the dynamics of financial transactions and effectiveness of quarantines. Findings: In the study period, 174,428 confirmed cases were in the COVID-19 registry with accompanying transactions information. In total, 13,924,982 financial transactions were performed by them, with a mean of 1.2 per day for each person. All guilds had a decreasing pattern of “risky” transactions except for grocery stores and pharmacies. The latter showed a decreasing pattern by impose of lockdowns. Different cities were the hotspot of disease transmission as many “high-risk” transactions were performed in them, among which Tehran (mainly its central neighborhoods) and southern cities of Lake Urmia predominated. Lockdowns indicated that the disease gradually became less transmissible. Interpretation: Financial transactions can be readily used for epidemics surveillance. Semi real-time results of such iterations can be informative for policy makers, guild owners, and general population to prepare safer commuting and merchandise spaces. © The Author(s) 2022.