Pandemic Superimposed on Epidemic: Covid-19 Disparities in Black Americans.

Pandemic Superimposed on Epidemic: Covid-19 Disparities in Black Americans. J Natl Med Assoc. 2020 Aug 01;: Authors: Kirksey L, Tucker DL, Taylor E, White Solaru KT, Modlin CS Abstract Health and healthcare disparities are variances in the health of a population or the care rendered to a population. Disparities result in a disproportionately higher prevalence of disease or lower standard of care provided to the index group. Multiple theories exist regarding the genesis of this disturbing finding. The COVID-19 pandemic has had the unfortunate effect of amplifying health inequity in vulnerable populations. African Americans, who make up approximately 12% of the US population are reportedly being diagnosed with COVID-19 and dying at disproportionately higher rates. Viewed holistically, multiple factors are contributing to the perfect storm: 1) Limited availability of public testing, 2) A dramatic increase in low wage worker unemployment/health insurance loss especially in the service sector of the economy, 3) High rates of preexisting chronic disease states/reduced access to early healthcare and 4) Individual provider and structural healthcare system bias. Indeed, COVID-19 represents a pandemic superimposed on a historic epidemic of racial health inequity and healthcare disparities. Therapeutic solutions are not expected in the near term. Thus, identifying the genesis and magnitude of COVID-19's impact on African American communities is...
Source: Journal of the National Medical Association - Category: General Medicine Tags: J Natl Med Assoc Source Type: research