Yeabsra Kefyalew Aleligne1, Duke Appiah2, Imo A Ebong3. 1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California. 2. CA Department of Public Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. 3. Division of Cardiology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed preexisting racial disparities in the healthcare system. This review discusses racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 related outcomes with an emphasis on the social determinants of health that are responsible for these disparities. RECENT FINDINGS: Higher hospitalizations and deaths have been reported amongst minority individuals after a COVID-19 infection. Cardiovascular disease and its risk factors are also more common in minority populations and negatively impact clinical outcomes after a COVID-19 illness. The racial disparities seen after COVID-19 infections appear to be driven by multiple preexisting comorbidities, adverse socioeconomic conditions, and lack of access to healthcare. These disadvantages were present before the COVID-19 pandemic. To effectively reduce disparities in outcomes of COVID-19 and the impact of the virus on minority communities, a multifaceted approach will be needed. SUMMARY: Government-backed policies that foster health equity and promote easily accessible testing and fair distribution of COVID-19 therapies and vaccines are necessary to successfully combat racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed preexisting racial disparities in the healthcare system. This review discusses racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 related outcomes with an emphasis on the social determinants of health that are responsible for these disparities. RECENT FINDINGS: Higher hospitalizations and deaths have been reported amongst minority individuals after a COVID-19infection. Cardiovascular disease and its risk factors are also more common in minority populations and negatively impact clinical outcomes after a COVID-19 illness. The racial disparities seen after COVID-19infections appear to be driven by multiple preexisting comorbidities, adverse socioeconomic conditions, and lack of access to healthcare. These disadvantages were present before the COVID-19 pandemic. To effectively reduce disparities in outcomes of COVID-19 and the impact of the virus on minority communities, a multifaceted approach will be needed. SUMMARY: Government-backed policies that foster health equity and promote easily accessible testing and fair distribution of COVID-19 therapies and vaccines are necessary to successfully combat racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes.
Authors: Henry F Raymond; Pratik Datta; Rahul Ukey; Peng Wang; Richard J Martino; Kristen D Krause; Corey Rosmarin-DeStefano; Abraham Pinter; Perry N Halkitis; Maria L Gennaro Journal: J Racial Ethn Health Disparities Date: 2021-11-08