Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Post-acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in New York: an EHR-Based Cohort Study from the RECOVER Program
Summary:
A retrospective cohort study conducted in New York City analyzed data from 62,339 COVID-19 patients and 247,881 non-COVID-19 patients between March 2020 and October 2021.
The study aimed to assess new symptoms and conditions occurring 31–180 days post-COVID-19 diagnosis and their association with race/ethnicity.
Significant racial disparities were found in the incidence of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), with Black and Hispanic patients experiencing different odds of developing potential PASC symptoms and conditions compared to white patients. These findings underscore the need to address healthcare disparities in managing COVID-19 sequelae.
Main Points:
- The study included 62,339 COVID-19 patients and 247,881 non-COVID-19 patients in New York City, focusing on new symptoms and conditions occurring 31–180 days post-diagnosis.
- Racial/ethnic disparities were observed in incident symptoms and conditions among both hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- Black and Hispanic patients exhibited significantly different odds of developing potential PASC symptoms and conditions compared to white patients, even after adjusting for confounders.
- Examples of disparities include higher odds of diabetes and headaches in hospitalized Black patients, and higher odds of pulmonary embolism and diabetes in non-hospitalized Black patients.
- Future research should delve deeper into the reasons behind these disparities and devise strategies to mitigate healthcare inequalities in managing post-COVID-19 sequelae.
This study reveals stark racial disparities in the incidence of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, highlighting the urgent need to address healthcare disparities and ensure equitable access to care for all patients, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Dr. Funmi Okunola MD
Credible Source:
May be under a subscription paywall
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-022-07997-1
Khullar, D., Zhang, Y., Zang, C. et al. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Post-acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in New York: an EHR-Based Cohort Study from the RECOVER Program. J GEN INTERN MED38, 1127–1136 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-022-07997-1
