Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 1, 2020

Racial, Economic and Health Inequality and COVID-1 Infection in the United States

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  • This population-based cross-sectional study explores racial and economic inequality associated with the infection and mortality due to COVID-19 in the US. Counties with more diverse demographics, higher population, education, income levels, and lower disability rates have higher rates of COVID-19 infection. Counties with higher disability and poverty rates have higher mortality rates. African Americans experience a higher burden of COVID-19 compared to other racial/ethnic groups. 
  • The observed inequality might be due to the distribution of the workforce of essential services, poverty, and access to care. Counties in more urban areas are may be better equipped for providing care. The lower rate of infection, but higher death rate in counties with higher poverty and disability could be due to lower levels of mobility, but a higher rate of comorbidities and health care access.

Abedi et al. (May 1, 2020). Racial, Economic and Health Inequality and COVID-1 Infection in the United States. Pre-print downloaded May 1 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.26.20079756