The Role of Comorbidities and Social Determinants of Health in Patients with COVID-19 in New Mexico

Authors

Lauren Epler, University of New Mexico School of MedicineFollow
Tenzin Desel, University of New Mexico School of MedicineFollow
Ariana Thompson, University of New Mexico School of MedicineFollow
Samantha Paltrow-Krulwich, University of New Mexico School of MedicineFollow
Susie Pham, University of New Mexico School of MedicineFollow
Diamone Gathers MD, University of New Mexico Department of Internal MedicineFollow
Krystal Chan MD, University of New Mexico Department of Internal MedicineFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

5-21-2021

Abstract

Introduction

Comorbidities are associated with higher levels of morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 infection. Minorities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Additionally, minorities have high rates of comorbidities.

Methods

Students surveyed consented patients on RedCap who tested positive for COVID-19 infection and were seen in the UNM COVID-Follow up Clinic between April-October 2020 via telephone.

Results

125 patients. 52% Hispanic/Latino, 23% American Indian/Alaska Native, 16% white, 3% African American, 1% Asian, and 5% multiple race/ethnicities. 16% had vaped nicotine, 15% had vaped marijuana or cannabis, and 33% had smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. 23% had hypertension or high blood pressure, and 51% of those respondents took medication for this. 22% were on spectrum of impaired glucose tolerance, ranging from impaired fasting glucose to diabetes, and 46% of those respondents were on medication for this. 4% were told they had heart disease or coronary artery disease, and 20% of those respondents took medication for this. 2.4% reported having chronic lung disease.

Discussion

A wide range of minorities, comorbidities, and risk factors were represented. Interestingly, many of the comorbidities were not being medically treated. Future data analysis will evaluate the rate of comorbidities in minorities. Additionally, analysis will be done to discern if certain minorities may be less likely to be receiving comorbidity treatment. Ultimate health outcomes of these patients will also be studied to determine if comorbidities and social determinants of health have an effect in COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality in UNM patients.

Comments

“Presented at the University of New Mexico GME/CPL 2021 Annual Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Symposium.”

Recommended Citation

Epler, Lauren; Tenzin Desel; Ariana Thompson; Samantha Paltrow-Krulwich; Susie Pham; Diamone Gathers MD; and Krystal Chan MD. "The Role of Comorbidities and Social Determinants of Health in Patients with COVID-19 in New Mexico." (2021). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_qips/64