Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Compounding Health Risks and Increased Vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 for Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Low Socioeconomic Status Individuals in the United States

Version 1 : Received: 13 April 2020 / Approved: 15 April 2020 / Online: 15 April 2020 (09:25:47 CEST)

How to cite: Myers, E.M. Compounding Health Risks and Increased Vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 for Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Low Socioeconomic Status Individuals in the United States. Preprints 2020, 2020040234. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202004.0234.v1 Myers, E.M. Compounding Health Risks and Increased Vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 for Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Low Socioeconomic Status Individuals in the United States. Preprints 2020, 2020040234. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202004.0234.v1

Abstract

Recent clinical SARS-CoV-2 studies link diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension to increased disease severity. In the US, racial and ethnic minorities and low socioeconomic status (SES) individuals are more likely to have increased rates of these comorbidities, lower baseline health, limited access to care, increased perceived discrimination, and limited resources, all of which increase their vulnerability to severe disease and poor health outcomes from SARS-CoV-2. Previous studies demonstrated the disproportionate impact of pandemic and seasonal influenza on these populations, due to these risk factors. This paper reviews increased health risks and documented health disparities of racial and ethnic minorities and low SES individuals in the US. Pandemic response must prioritize these marginalized communities to minimize the negative, disproportionate impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on them and manage spread throughout the entire population. This paper concludes with recommendations applicable to healthcare facilities and public officials at various government levels.

Keywords

coronavirus; COVID-19; comorbidity; race and ethnicity; health disparities; income; inequality; influenza

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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