Question
Why are African Americans disproportionately impacted by COVID-19?
Answer
There are three major contributing factors impacting African Americans disproportionality, as it relates to COVID-19. The first factor is cultural memory related to historical trauma and systems of oppression. Medical experimentation and mistreatment by the medical profession and government, for example, the Tuskegee experiment has led to mistrust and myths about diseases as well as under-utilization of medical services. Aside from historical trauma and as it relates to cultural memory, it is important to note systems of oppression or unjust treatment related to the isms: racism, sexism, and patriarchy, which impacts people's ability to realize self-determination.
Second, are social determinants of health. Social determinants of health are influential socioeconomic conditions that impact health and access to healthcare, and are another critical factor impacting the disproportionality of African Americans to COVID-19. Where one lives, works, and plays is very important. Where you live, if you live in a densely populated area, it is going to increase one's risk for coronavirus. Where you work, if you're working in industries with greater access or greater contact with the public, you are going to increase your risk for contracting coronavirus. And play, all these things matter, and are contributing factors to African Americans being at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, in addition to just general health disparities.
The third and last factor is essential work. African Americans have historical overrepresentation and current overrepresentation in frontline work such as health, food, and transportation industries. These industries put people at a greater risk of being exposed to COVID-19 because they cannot work remotely.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar, COVID-19 Reveals the Pressing Health Needs for African Americans, presented by V. Nikki Jones, DSW, LCSW, LMFT.
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