An Educational Solution-Driven Discussion About Racial Public Health Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

One of the most troubling aspects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the US is the disproportionate harm that it has caused to historically marginalized, low income, underserved, and uninsured groups. During the emergence of the pandemic, Black, Hispanic, and Asian people have markedly higher infection rates, hospitalization, and death compared with White people. Once infected with COVID-19, persons with lower incomes, underserved, and people of color are at greater risk for hospitalization because they often have more chronic medical comorbidities. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are higher among low-income, minority populations, all of which can make a COVID-19 infection much worse. In addition, racial and ethnic minority populations are often underinsured and have inferior access to healthcare, which likely results in those infected seeking care later during their illness. This paper explores educational solution-driven discussion about racial public health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic.