Basic reproduction number of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease in Major Endemic Areas of China: A latent profile analysis

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to analyze the latent class of basic reproduction number (R0) trend of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in major endemic areas of China. MethodsThe provinces that reported more than 500 cases of COVID-19 till February 18, 2020 were selected as the major endemic area. The Verhulst model was used to fit the growth rate of cumulative confirmed cases. The R0 of COVID-19 was calculated using the parameters of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19, respectively. The latent class of R0 was analyzed using a latent profile analysis model. ResultsThe median R0 calculated from SARS and COVID-19 parameters were 1.84 - 3.18 and 1.74 - 2.91, respectively. The R0 calculated from the SARS parameters was greater than that of calculated from the COVID-19 parameters (Z = -4.782 - -4.623, P < 0.01). Both R0 can be divided into three latent classes. The initial value of R0 in class 1 (Shandong Province, Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality) was relatively low and decreases slowly. The initial value of R0 in class 2 (Anhui Province, Hunan Province, Jiangxi Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province, Guangdong Province and Jiangsu Province) was relatively high and decreases rapidly. Moreover, the initial value of R0 of class 3 (Hubei Province) was between that of class 1 and class 2, but the higher level of R0 lasts longer and decreases slowly. ConclusionThe results indicated that overall trend of R0 has been falling with the strengthening of Chinas comprehensive prevention and control measures for COVID-19, however, presents regional differences.