Impact of health disparity on pediatric infections

Abstract

Purpose of review The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the health disparities among minoritized children due to structural racism and socioeconomic inequalities. This review discusses how health disparities affect pediatric infections and how they can be addressed. Recent findings In addition to disparities in healthcare access due to poverty, geography, and English-language proficiency, implicit and explicit bias affects the healthcare quality and subsequent outcomes in children and adolescents with infections. Disparities in clinical trial enrollment affect the generalizability of research findings. Physicians who understand their patients’ languages and the contexts of culture and socioeconomic conditions are better equipped to address the needs of specific populations and the health disparities among them. Summary Addressing disparities in pediatric infections requires prioritization of efforts to increase physician workforce diversity in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, as well as education in bias reduction and culturally sensitive clinical practice, in addition to socioeconomic interventions that improve healthcare access, delivery, and outcomes.