Abstract
Background and Hypothesis 
 It has been reported in several recent studies that health disparities associated with COVID-19 infection r are prevalent in Black and impoverished populations. The contribution of multiple causes to these disparities is still not completely elucidated. Gary, Indiana has a large Black population (80%), high number of residents living below the poverty line (34%), and high unemployment rate (20%). We hypothesized that Black individuals in Gary have a higher rate of positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths than non-Black individuals. Also, we hypothesized that (median household income measured by the zip code) is negatively correlated with COVID-19 positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. 
 
 Methods 
 In collaboration with the Gary Health Department, we analyzed data on all positive cases in the city from 06/16/2020 through 06/07/2021(totally 5149 cases). We compared this data to the data from 03/16/2020 through 06/16/2020 (totally 724 cases) that we analyzed previously. Data was de-identified and included age, race, ethnicity, and zip code. The data was analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test and regression analysis. 
 
 Results 
 When compared to the non-Black population in Gary age and population-adjusted rates of hospitalizations and deaths in the Black population are 3-fold (p<9.385E-11) and 2-fold (p<0.0171) higher, respectively. Surprisingly, the non-Black population had a higher infection rate than the Black population (p<2.69E-09). Median household income of a zip code is negatively correlated with COVID-19 hospitalizations in that zip code (R2=0.6345, p=0.03), but is does not affect the .rates of infections and deaths. 
 
 Conclusion 
 Our data show that in Gary, there is a clear health disparity of both income and race, specifically in the context of COVID-19. IUSMNW and Gary health officials can collaborate and utilize this data to reallocate resources to the highly populated, low income, and predominantly Black neighborhoods.
Highlights
Background and HypothesisIt has been reported in several recent studies that health disparities associated with COVID-19 infection are prevalent in Black and impoverished populations
We hypothesized that Black individuals in Gary have a higher rate of positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths than non-Black individuals
We hypothesized that median household income measured by the zip code is negatively correlated with COVID19 positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths
Summary
It has been reported in several recent studies that health disparities associated with COVID-19 infection are prevalent in Black and impoverished populations. The contribution of multiple causes to these disparities is still not completely elucidated. Indiana has a large Black population (80%), high number of residents living below the poverty line (34%), and high unemployment rate (20%). We hypothesized that Black individuals in Gary have a higher rate of positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths than non-Black individuals. We hypothesized that median household income measured by the zip code is negatively correlated with COVID19 positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
