Basic Reproduction Number of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease in the Major Endemic Areas of China: A Latent Profile Analysis

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the latent class of basic reproduction number (R(0)) trends of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the major endemic areas of China. Methods: The provinces that reported more than 500 cases of COVID-19 till February 18, 2020 were selected as the major endemic areas. The Verhulst model was used to fit the growth rate of cumulative confirmed cases. The R(0) of COVID-19 was calculated using the parameters of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19. The latent class of R(0) was analyzed using the latent profile analysis (LPA) model. Results: The median R(0) calculated from the SARS and COVID-19 parameters were 1.84–3.18 and 1.74–2.91, respectively. The R(0) calculated from the SARS parameters was greater than that calculated from the COVID-19 parameters (Z = −4.782 to −4.623, p < 0.01). Both R(0) can be divided into three latent classes. The initial value of R(0) in class 1 (Shandong Province, Sichuan Province, and Chongqing Municipality) was relatively low and decreased slowly. The initial value of R(0) in class 2 (Anhui Province, Hunan Province, Jiangxi Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province, Guangdong Province, and Jiangsu Province) was relatively high and decreased rapidly. Moreover, the initial R(0) value of class 3 (Hubei Province) was in the range between that of classes 1 and 2, but the higher R(0) level lasted longer and decreased slowly. Conclusion: The results indicated that the overall R(0) trend is decreased with the strengthening of comprehensive prevention and control measures of China for COVID-19, however, there are regional differences.