Journal CME, November 2022: Race, ethnicity, and utilization of outpatient rehabilitation for treatment of post COVID-19 condition-3

3 - Journal Nov 2022 COVID

Pdf Summary

The study analyzed the utilization of outpatient rehabilitation services among U.S. adults who experienced post COVID-19 condition in 2020, focusing on racial and ethnic disparities. Conducted using a case–control design and the TriNetX database, the study investigated the receipt of rehabilitation services within six months following a COVID-19 diagnosis and the incidence of associated symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, pain, cognitive impairment, mobility difficulties, and dyspnea.<br /><br />Key findings include:<br />1. From 406,630 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 8,724 individuals received outpatient rehabilitation, with 28,719 matched controls.<br />2. African American/Black individuals were less likely (OR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84-0.96; p=0.003) than White individuals to receive outpatient rehabilitation, despite similar symptom incidences. In contrast, Hispanic individuals were more likely (OR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.11-1.33; p=0.001) than their non-Hispanic counterparts to utilize these services and also had a higher incidence of post-COVID-19 fatigue.<br />3. The most frequently reported symptoms among rehabilitation users were dyspnea (20.4%), fatigue (12.4%), and weakness (8.2%).<br />4. Factors like comorbidities and hospitalization for COVID-19 significantly influenced rehabilitation usage, with hospitalized individuals being four times more likely to use rehabilitation services.<br /><br />The study highlights significant racial disparities in the utilization of post-COVID-19 outpatient rehabilitation services. Despite similar symptom burdens, African American/Black individuals underutilize these services compared to White individuals, underscoring potential barriers to access. Conversely, Hispanic individuals showed higher rehabilitation utilization, possibly linked to the higher incidence of post-COVID-19 fatigue.<br /><br />The need for further research to understand and address these disparities is critical to ensure equitable recovery and health outcomes for all COVID-19 survivors. Addressing systemic barriers in healthcare access could mitigate the disproportionate impacts on minority communities and improve post-COVID-19 recovery and quality of life.

Keywords

outpatient rehabilitation

post COVID-19 condition

racial disparities

ethnic disparities

TriNetX database

rehabilitation services

African American/Black

Hispanic individuals

COVID-19 symptoms

healthcare access