Data Analytics Shows COVID-19 Impact, Highlight Health Disparities

According to a recent study examining data analytics, minority populations have been disproportionately impacted with higher rates of COVID-19 infection throughout the pandemic, highlighting health disparities.

The data showed that Latinx populations with asthma are 4.6 times more likely than Black populations to develop asthma exacerbations, unmanageable or uncontrolled asthma, after COVID-19 infection. In addition, compared to White populations, Latinx populations are 2.9 times more likely to develop the condition.

“We examined 174 adult COVID-19-positive patients with a history of asthma between February and April of 2020,” lead study author Katharine Foster, MD, said in a press release.

 “What we found is that Latinos had significantly higher odds of developing asthma flares, and the length of time of their asthma exacerbations was longer compared to non-Latinos.”

Additionally, the study results indicated that uncontrolled asthma symptoms lasted significantly longer in Latinx populations with asthma who were infected with COVID-19. For the impacted Latinx population, their asthma symptoms lasted 3.2 weeks compared to 1.5 weeks in non-Latinx Whites and 1.4 weeks in non-Latinx Blacks.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 25 million people living in the United States have asthma, equaling about 1 in 13 individuals, including 8 percent of adults and 7 percent of children. Additionally, minority populations suffer at higher rates due to social determinants of health.

“Despite the differences in symptoms we found in the study participants, we didn’t see a difference in the likelihood of starting steroids for symptom relief, nor for starting asthma step-up therapy (more aggressive treatment when asthma is uncontrolled) between Latino, non-Latino white and non-Latino Black populations,” said Mahboobeh Mahdavinia, MD, PhD, ACAAI member and study co-author.

“All the groups sought a similar number of asthma-related provider visits, including in clinic, the emergency departments, or via telehealth.”

According to the researchers, respiratory viruses are the most common trigger for asthma exacerbations. However, not every virus will impact asthma patients the same. Some viruses, including influenza and rhinovirus, are more likely to cause asthma flare-up than others.

Currently, research does not show that individuals with asthma are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 than those without the chronic condition, according to researchers. To promote health equality, researchers will continue investigating the health disparities created by COVID-19 and develop strategies to improve patient outcomes for all.

The study is being presented at this year’s American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting