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Social determinants of health and COVID-19: An evaluation of racial and ethnic disparities in attitudes, practices, and mental health

Medicine and Health

Social determinants of health and COVID-19: An evaluation of racial and ethnic disparities in attitudes, practices, and mental health

J. R. Patel, C. C. Brown, et al.

Discover the intriguing findings of a study by Jenil R Patel, Clare C Brown, T Elaine Prewitt, Zain Alfanek, and M Kathryn Stewart that investigates the complex interplay between social determinants of health, race, and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research uncovers how social inequities impact health behaviors and highlights the need for addressing these issues, especially in rural areas like Arkansas.

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~3 min • Beginner • English
Abstract
Previous evaluations have reported racial minorities feel they are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, but that on average, they have better preventative practices, such as wearing face masks and avoiding large gatherings. In this study, we explored associations between social determinants of health (SDOH), race and ethnicity, COVID-19 practices and attitudes, and mental health outcomes during the pandemic. We examined associations between SDOHs and practices, attitudes, and mental health symptoms by race and ethnicity using multivariable linear and logistic regressions in 8582 Arkansan pulse poll respondents (September-December, 2020). Compared to White respondents, mean attitude and practice scores were greater (indicating safer) among Black (4.90 vs. 3.45 for attitudes; 2.63 vs. 2.41 for practices) and Hispanic respondents (4.26 vs. 3.45 for attitudes; 2.50 vs. 2.41 for practices). Respondents' SDOH scores by race/ethnicity were: White (3.65), Black (3.33), and Hispanic (3.22). Overall, attitude and practice scores decreased by 0.35 and 0.09, respectively, for every one-point increase in SDOH. Overall, a one-point increase in SDOH was associated with 76% and 85% increased odds of screening negative for anxiety and depression, respectively. To conclude, underlying social inequities are likely driving safer attitudes, practices, and worse anxiety and depression symptoms in Black and Hispanic Arkansans. In terms of policy implications, our study supports the urgency of addressing SDOHs for rural states similar to Arkansas.
Publisher
PLOS Global Public Health
Published On
Jan 23, 2023
Authors
Jenil R Patel, Clare C Brown, T Elaine Prewitt, Zain Alfanek, M Kathryn Stewart
Tags
social determinants of health
race/ethnicity
COVID-19
mental health
anxiety
depression
Arkansas
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