The COVID-19 Disparity

It goes without saying that everyone, from their neighbor’s pet fish to their great grandmother, has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Schools are shut down, team sports are canceled, and hospitals are flooded with patients. Everyone seems to have some aspect of their lives altered by the pandemic; however, there are certain groups of people who have been impacted more than others.

This inequality of impact is known as a disparity (see What is a Disparity? for more information). In today’s blog post, we will go over how the coronavirus pandemic has affected some more than others and what we can do about it.

First, we will start with a statistical overview of the incidence and mortality rates of the coronavirus by racial groups. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in June, 205 counties in 33 states were identified as hotspots for COVID-19. 96.2% of these counties had disparities in one or more underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. Additionally, the mortality rate for African Americans was 2.4 times that of white Americans in 40 states (Source). Latinx individuals were also found to be 2 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than whites (Source). The CDC also stated that hospitalization rates for non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic American Indian/ Alaskan natives were 4.5 times that of non-Hispanic whites; Hispanics/ Latinos have a hospitalization rate 3.5 times that of non-Hispanic whites. 

It is made clear from the data above that the coronavirus pandemic is affecting minority populations at high rates. But why is this happening? There are a few main social and economic factors to consider why this disparity is occurring which I have explained below. 

First, the accessibility to COVID-19 testing, prevention, care, and treatment varies depending on one’s socioeconomic status. Areas in which the population is poorer and the hospital is not equipped to effectively respond to COVID-19 will see an increase in mortality and incidence rates. Lack of availability of masks, hand-sanitizer, and educational outreaches will also dramatically increase the disparity in an area.

An additional factor to consider is insurance rates. The number of uninsured African Americans is 1.5 times higher than that among White Americans. The number of uninsured people in the Latinx community is 2.5 times higher than that among White Americans. Native Americans and Alaskan Natives have the highest rate of uninsured people at over 21%. Typically, people without insurance are less likely to seek preventative healthcare and may not be aware of any pre-existing conditions (Source). This means that there is a greater likelihood of mortality from disease among those who are uninsured. 

The COVID-19 disparity has also increased among minority populations since  Latinx, African American, and Native Americans are overrepresented in the frontline workforce. Frontline jobs include food service, grocery stores, home health care, public service, transportation, etc. Workers in these positions are automatically at a higher risk than others since it is harder to practice social distancing and limit contact with the public while maintaining these positions. 

Oftentimes, it seems like these are factors we cannot control. How are we supposed to change company policies to provide free testing or paid family leave? How are we going to ensure that high-quality data on COVID-19 gets collected to accurately assess disparities? How are we going to provide funding to programs that aid minority groups in attaining healthcare? How are we supposed to change the structure of the healthcare system? Although we might not be able to immediately change certain factors that impact the COVID-19 disparity, there are still plenty of measures we can take to limit this disparity from worsening. 

The first step to take when tackling the COVID-19 disparity is to help prevent the spread of the disease. Maintain effective social distancing, avoid large gatherings, always wear a mask, and comply with the CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Secondly, we must take the necessary steps to educate ourselves. Learning about the effectiveness of safety measures can help us understand why these steps are necessary and help prevent the spread of false information. We can also learn more about our healthcare system and how we can improve to respond more effectively to unexpected situations as well as government policies or programs that can reduce healthcare disparities and the COVID-19 disparity specifically.

Lastly, we must take action and let our voices be heard.

Show support for programs that distribute masks, hand sanitizers, and other materials to prevent the spread of coronavirus and safely volunteer. Donate to organizations that help minority populations gain access to healthcare. Research government policies that have been effective in reducing the spread of coronavirus and be aware of political decisions that have harmed the country’s efforts to end the pandemic. Do your part to make a change. 

HIV Medicine Association. "COVID-19 and Health Disparities in the United States." The Infectious Diseases Society of America, 16 June 2020, www.idsociety.org/globalassets/idsa/public-health/covid-19/covid19-health-disparities.pdf. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.

Moore et al., Jazmyn T. "Disparities in Incidence of COVID-19 among Underrepresented Racial/Ethnic Groups in Counties Identified as Hotspots during June 5–18, 2020 — 22 States, February–June 2020." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 Aug. 2020, www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6933e1.htm. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.

By: Sreenidhi Saripalli