Excess Deaths Among Blacks and Latinx Compared to Whites During Covid-19

Abstract

Importance Blacks and Latinx are disproportionately affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and experience higher mortality rates than Whites and Asians in the USA. Such racial disparities, in Covid-19 testing, cases, and mortality are visible in Connecticut too. Recently, excess deaths have become an important consideration in news reports and academic research. However, data on racial differences in excess death is limited. Objective This study examines racial/ethnic differences in excess deaths in the state of Connecticut during the Covid-19 pandemic. Design This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study to estimate excess deaths by racial/ethnic status utilizing mortality data during the peak months of Covid-19 infections from March 1 to June 30, 2020, in Connecticut. The following assumption is applied: expected non-Covid-19 deaths from March 1 to June 30, 2020, are equal to the number of deaths occurring during the period of March 1 to June 30, 2019. Race/ethnicity are defined as Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, and Latinx. Descriptive statistics and rates with 95% confidence intervals are presented. Chi-square analyses are performed where applicable. Setting Connecticut Participants All deaths in Connecticut from March 1 to June 30, 2020. Key points Question What are the racial/ethnic differences in excess deaths in Connecticut, CT, a microcosm of our country? Findings In this epidemiological study of 14,226 all-cause deaths from March 1 to June 30, 2020, in Connecticut, there is a 74% increase in mortality in Blacks, 63% increased mortality in Latinx, and 30% increase for Whites when compared to expected deaths. Undetermined deaths increased in 2020 and accounted for 13% of deaths in the Latinx population, 10.8% in the Black population, and 6.2% in the White population. Meaning Black and Latinx populations experienced an increase in mortality and undetermined deaths during the pandemic. These findings suggest that Covid-19 deaths may be underreported by at least 10% in these populations during the peak of the pandemic. We advocate for increasing testing capacity among these groups.

Syndemic aspects between COVID-19 pandemic and social inequalities

“…Data from National Center for Health Statistics report that Hispanic populations represent approximately 21% of excess deaths[ 45 ], which is related to another study that reported a two times higher risk of Hispanics dying from COVID-19 than Whites[ 45 ]. This research also demonstrated that American/Black and Hispanic populations present an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 and similar rates of case fatality[ 46 ].…”

Increasing COVID-19 testing and vaccination among Spanish speakers in the USA: protocol for the development and evaluation of theNuestra Comunidad Saludableintervention using a group-randomised trial design

“…These barriers to COVID-19 testing and vaccination are greater among those who do not speak English, are immigrants, are undocumented and/or live in mixed-immigration status households 11–13. A profound need remains to better understand and intervene on the factors that challenge and facilitate COVID-19 testing and vaccination interventions within these communities 1 2 6 7 14–16…”

Understanding uptake of COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and boosters among Spanish-speaking Latines in the United States: Qualitative insights from Spanish speakers and key informants

“…A profound need remains to understand the sociocultural determinants of COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and booster uptake within Spanish-speaking Latine communities [1,2,6,7,[14][15][16]. The heterogeneity of the Latine population is well established [17][18][19][20], and Spanish speakers experience different barriers from other Latine persons due to more pronounced economic challenges, lower acculturation, and heightened fear of government systems.…”