The racial/ethnic and sociocultural aspects of the pandemic in rheumatology

The disproportionate impact of coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) on communities of color is gaining global attention. Current research demonstrates that historically marginalized populations are experiencing disproportionate levels of SARS-Cov-2 infection and adverse clinical outcomes. However, research examining whether COVID-19 outcomes vary by race and ethnicity within the rheumatic disease population is limited. This paper will review data showing how SARS-CoV-2 infection has differentially affected racial and ethnic minorities in the general population and those with rheumatic disease. We will also highlight disparities in rheumatic disease risk and severity that existed prior to the pandemic, and discuss recent work examining severe outcomes of COVID-19 in rheumatic disease patients by race and ethnicity. Finally, we propose several actionable steps for the rheumatology community to address COVID-19 health disparities, which may have long-term effects on patients with rheumatic disease. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color is drawing global attention, with research showing that historically marginalized populations are experiencing higher levels of infection and adverse outcomes. Limited research is available on how COVID-19 outcomes vary by race and ethnicity within the rheumatic disease population, as well as disparities in risk and severity that existed before the pandemic.