Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. It has become a pandemic and an international public emergency. Preliminary evidence shows that as the pandemic spreads throughout the countries, disparities are observed in health outcomes of patients with COVID-19, especially in terms of morbidity and mortality. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analyses will be conducted to measure the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19. The target population includes the population of the countries during the pandemic of COVID-19. The exposure is minority ethnicity and low-socioeconomic status. Minority or low-socioeconomic status groups will be compared to the majority or high-socioeconomic status groups. The main outcomes of interests include 1) mortality rate, 2) morbidity rate, 3) deaths among the infected individuals, 4) availability of healthcare resources, 5) accessibility of healthcare resources, 6) time to recovery, 7) complications; and 8) access to testing.Discussion: By quantifying and documenting the existence and extent of the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19, we will identify the areas that deserve immediate action to prevent devastating consequences. The results of this systematic review will help policymakers to adopt effective strategies in managing the COVID-19 crisis in a just way not only in the absence of certain treatment and vaccination but also after reaching them as well. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registry number: CRD42020190105