The effect of race, socioeconomic status, and comorbidity on patients afflicted with COVID 19: A Local Perspective

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to further examine the associations of race, socioeconomic factors, and comorbidity with COVID-19 health outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 309 PCR confirmed COVID-19 positive adults who presented to Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, LA, from March 9 to May 29, 2020. The primary outcomes investigated were need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and in-hospital mortality. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine socioeconomic and medical risk factors for IMV and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Compared to white patients, Black patients were more likely to present younger, female, obese, unemployed, and underinsured. However, when controlled for common risk factors, Black and white patients had similar risk for IMV and mortality. Increased age (≥65 years), obesity, and increased comorbidity were associated with increased risk for IMV and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Race and socioeconomic factors may increase risk for COVID-19 infection but did not affect health outcomes within the hospital setting. Therefore, the higher rates of COVID-19 infection and mortality in vulnerable populations may be better explained by lower socioeconomic status, with subsequent higher comorbidity, in these populations. Community health initiatives should be prioritized in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.