Infographics

Systemic Racism, Disparities & COVID-19: Impacts on Latino Health

Published on: September 17, 2020. Updated on: December 21, 2020.

Latinos are 4.6x

as likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 than White Americans

About the Data Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the cumulative effects of systemic racism and other risk factors on the health of Latinos in the United States. For Latino Americans, a diverse group of individuals encompassing nearly 20% of the US population, long-standing social and economic inequities have led to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Latinos are 4 times as likely to be hospitalized than White Americans and Latinas currently account for over 40% of COVID-19 cases in pregnant women. This infographic identifies risk factors - including disproportionate employment as essential workers, lower rates of health insurance coverage, and language and cultural barriers - and provides actionable solutions to improve the health of Latino Americans.

Citations & Additional Resources

COVID-19 Impact:

US Latino population in 2018: US Census Bureau, Quick Facts

COVID-19 share of cases: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID Data Tracker, as of 9/2/20

NOTE: Updated by CDC on September 20, 2020

COVID-19 hospitalization rate: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 Hospitalization and Death by Race/Ethnicity, as of 9/2/20

Share of pregnant women with COVID-19: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Data on COVID-19 during Pregnancy

NOTE: Covers January 22-September 8, 2020

Social & Economic Risk Factors:

Language Barriers: Language Barriers Hinder Spanish-Speaking Immigrants From Getting Coronavirus Tests

Multi-Generational Homes: Pew Research Center, A record 64 million Americans live in multigenerational households

Immigration Concerns: STAT, Fearing deportation, many immigrants at higher risk of COVID-19 are afraid to seek testing or care

Essential Worker Status: New American Economy, Hispanic Americans in Healthcare and in Essential Roles

Less likely to have paid leave: Center for American Progress, Latinos Least Likely to Have Paid Leave or Workplace Flexibility

Less likely to have access to health insurance: KFF, Changes in Health Coverage by Race and Ethnicity since the ACA, 2010-2018

Representation in physician workforce, medical school educators, and medical students: Association of American Medical Colleges, Diversity in Medicine: Facts and Figures 2019

Representation in psychologist workforce: American Psychological Association, CWS Data Tool: Demographics of the U.S. Psychology Workforce

Share of psychologists that can speak Spanish: American Psychological Association, 2015 APA Survey of Psychology Health Service Providers

Impact on Inequality:

Economic Downturn:Pew Research Center, Coronavirus Economic Downturn Has Hit Latinos Especially Hard

COVID-19 unemployment benefits: Marketplace, “It’s not just undocumented immigrants who could be left out of the stimulus money”

Increasing food insecurity: Salud America!, Coronavirus Is Worsening Food Insecurity for Latino, Other Families

Increasing housing insecurity: Urban Institute, New Data Suggest COVID-19 is Widening Housing Disparities by Race and Income

Steps to Take Within the Health Care Space:

Improve access to culturally competent care: “Culturally Competent Care for Latino Patients”, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University
Increase workforce representation: Fact Sheet: The Need for Diversity in the Health Care Workforce, AAPCHO
Anti-racism training in health systems & medical schools: “Racism, Hazing And Other Abuse Taints Medical Training, Students Say,” NPR
Improve bidirectional literacy: The Importance of Effective Communication in Healthcare Practice, Harvard Public Health Review
Support community health centers & workers and build trust: CDC, Promotores de Salud/Community Health Workers

Steps to address economic and social challenges: Salud America!, 19 Ways to Ensure Health Equity for Latinos During (and After) COVID-19