Social Determinants of Health and Response to Disease Associated With Health Outcomes of American Indian and Alaska Native Patients

Copyright

2022

Published By

JAMA Network

This journal article highlights that in addition to the higher prevalence of comorbidities, the severe health outcomes associated with COVID-19 among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals could be associated with social determinants of health. The high rate of poverty, lack of running water, lack of basic utilities, inadequate access to healthy food, and even lack of access to broadband for telehealth and virtual education became more challenging for this population during the COVID-19 pandemic. These disparities in health are perpetuated by increased risk factors, health behavior, and access to adequate health care.