Racial Disparities-Associated COVID-19 Mortality among Minority Populations in the US

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a betacoronavirus that causes the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is highly transmissible and pathogenic for humans and may cause life-threatening disease and mortality, especially in individuals with underlying comorbidities. First identified in an outbreak in Wuhan, China, COVID-19 is affecting more than 185 countries and territories around the world, with more than 15,754,651 confirmed cases and more than 640,029 deaths. Since December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 transmission has become a global threat, which includes confirmed cases in all 50 states within the United States (US). As of 25 July 2020, the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering Center for Systems Science and Engineering reports more than 4,112,651 cases and 145,546 deaths. To date, health disparities are associated with COVID-19 mortality among underserved populations. Here, the author explores potential underlying reasons for reported disproportionate, increased risks of mortality among African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos with COVID-19 compared with non-Hispanic Whites. The author examines the underlying clinical implications that may predispose minority populations and the adverse clinical outcomes that may contribute to increased risk of mortality. Government and community-based strategies to safeguard minority populations at risk for increased morbidity and mortality are essential. Underserved populations living in poverty with limited access to social services across the US are more likely to have underlying medical conditions and are among the most vulnerable. Societal and cultural barriers for ethnic minorities to achieve health equity are systemic issues that may be addressed only through shifts in governmental policies, producing long-overdue, substantive changes to end health care inequities.

Factors Associated with COVID-Related Mortality: the Case of Texas

“…These factors contributing to increased prevalence of chronic diseases in African American communities are then further exacerbated by a lack of trust in health care that exists due to historic injustices suffered by these populations. Our finding on Hispanic Americans' aligns with other reports that have reported increased mortality in this population [19,20]. These reports suggest that the increased mortality may be due to higher rates of comorbid medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes and a high proportion of frontline workers [19,21].…”

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Oral Health: Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges

“…The total number of deaths from COVID-19 in United States alone is around 231,988 as of 4 November 2020 ( Figure 1 A) [ 12 ]. A comprehensive review by Alcendor provided in-depth information on the factors associated with morbidity and mortality among minority populations [ 21 ]. African Americans (AAs) and Hispanics/Latinos were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 infection when compared with non-Hispanic Whites ( Figure 1 B) [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

‘My Child is Anxious Because We Might Get Deported’: Brief Therapy from MRI with an Immigrant Family in the United States

“…Migration has an enormous impact on the host country as well; its society, geography, and culture. At the time of COVID-19, the high impact the pandemic has had on minority communitiesof which immigrants always arehas been widely reported on in 2020 (Abuelgassim et al, 2020;Alcendor, 2020;Barden, 2020;Wang et al, 2020). According to a report by the International Organization for Migration (2018), in 2015, 3.3% of the world's population lived in a different country from the one in which they were born.…”