Social Determinants of Health and COVID-19 Among Patients in New York City

Abstract

Abstract Background: Covid-19 testing and disease outcomes according to demographic and neighborhood characteristics must be understood.Methods: Using aggregate administrative data from a multi-site academic healthcare system in New York from March 1 – May 14, 2020, we examined patient demographic and neighborhood characteristics according to Covid-19 testing and disease outcomes.Results: Among the 23,918 patients, higher proportions of those over 65 years old, male sex, Hispanic ethnicity, Medicare, or Medicaid insurance had positive tests, were hospitalized, or died than those with younger age, non-Hispanic ethnicity, or private insurance. Patients living in census tracts with more non-White individuals, Hispanic individuals, individuals in poverty, or housing crowding had higher proportions of Covid-19 positive tests, hospitalizations, and deaths than counterparts.Discussion: Variation exists in Covid-19 testing and disease outcomes according to patient and neighborhood characteristics. There is a need to monitor Covid-19 testing access and disease outcomes and resolve racist policies and practices.