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

This study explores the associations between social determinants of health (SDOH), race/ethnicity, COVID-19 practices and attitudes, and mental health outcomes. Using data from 8582 Arkansan pulse poll respondents (September-December 2020), multivariable linear and logistic regressions revealed that Black and Hispanic respondents, despite having lower SDOH scores (indicating worse circumstances), exhibited safer COVID-19 attitudes and practices than White respondents. Higher SDOH scores were associated with lower odds of anxiety and depression, but also riskier COVID-19 attitudes and practices. The study highlights the impact of social inequities on health behaviors and mental health during the pandemic, emphasizing the need to address SDOH, particularly in rural states like Arkansas.

Jenil R Patel, Clare C Brown, T Elaine Prewitt, Zain Alfanek, M Kathryn Stewart