Current data shows that 33% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are black even though they comprise only 18% of the community. Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity disproportionately impact the African American community; these pre-existing conditions predispose African Americans to worse outcomes when infected with COVID-19. Many communities of color are overrepresented in essential jobs such as bus drivers, train operators and custodians; therefore, they are more likely to be exposed to and infected by COVID-19. Even more troubling is the presence of implicit bias that may exist between physician and a minority patient. Effective interpersonal communication is extremely important when it comes to health conversations and health outcomes. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.
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