Differences in COVID-19 Fatality Risk Among Racial and Ethnic Groups: A Secondary Data Analysis of Electronic Health Records in the TriNetX Platform

COVID-19 fatality risk changed greatly over the course of the pandemic. Few studies have explored how risk and vulnerability compounded COVID-19 health outcomes throughout the pandemic. In this study, the aims were to explore the relationship between fatality risk and racial/ethnic background in patients testing positive for COVID-19 and to compare the differences in clinical outcomes during the different waves of the pandemic. The secondary analysis used data collected within the TriNetX platform. Adults living in the United States who tested positive for COVID-19 or had a COVID-19 diagnosis were included in the study . Findings of the study showed that fatality risk varied by geographical region and the wave of the pandemic. Comorbidities increased odds of fatality and varied by race and ethnicity. In some models, fatality risk was lower for people of color when compared to those of white race. Similar to other studies, being male and of older age increased risk of fatality. Social determinants of health and vaccine status were also explored but there weren’t enough individuals in the study to complete further analyses. The findings from the study indicate the need for the continued research regarding the effects of COVID-19 pandemic in relation to race and ethnicity along with how variations across geographical regions influence outcomes.

Name thesis:degree_name

Nursing (Doctoral)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nursing Science

Grantor

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Medina, Ashleigh 1977-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Nguyen, Hoang

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Brown, Tony
• Wong, Rebeca
• Tzeng, Huey-Ming
• O'Keefe, Mary

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2152.3/12845

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:utmb-ir.tdl.org:2152.3/12845