A Data-Informed Approach to Targeting Social Determinants of Health as the Root Causes of COVID-19 Disparities
Renuka Tipirneni
Abstract
Racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes have called renewed attention to addressing systemic racism and health inequities in the United States. The drivers of these inequities have been debated but include social determinants of health (SDOH) such as poverty, employment in low-wage but essential worker occupations, crowded housing, and lack of access to regular medical care.1 For those in the public health community, the importance of addressing both upstream and midstream SDOH to achieve health equity has been long recognized and discussed. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print January 28, 2021: e1-e3. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306085).
Topics & Concepts
Health equityPublic healthSocial determinants of healthRacismPovertyHealth carePolitical scienceCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Health policyMisinformationMedicineEconomic growthEconomicsNursingLawDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyFood Security and Health in Diverse PopulationsHealth disparities and outcomesPublic Health Policies and Education