To What Extent Do COVID-19 Mortality Rates and Their Perception Correlate with Relative Deprivation in Greater London?
This independent investigation aimed to examine the relationship between COVID-19 mortality rates and levels of relative deprivation across Greater London. The goal was to understand whether socio-economic status influenced both actual health outcomes and public perceptions of risk during the pandemic.
I carried out the entire project, sourcing and analysing quantitative data from the Office for National Statistics alongside qualitative data from original survey responses. The results revealed a significant correlation between higher mortality rates and areas of greater deprivation. Additionally, the study uncovered contrasting perceptions of COVID-19 risk between affluent and deprived communities, shaped by media exposure, trust in public messaging, and lived experience.
This project deepened my understanding of health inequality, data-driven social research, and the role of perception in public health response. It also strengthened my skills in mixed-methods research, critical analysis, and independent project management.