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Ethnicity May Be Major Risk Factor For COVID-19 Deaths

Ethnicity may be major risk factor for COVID-19 deaths. The latest data from the United Kingdom shows that males, older people, and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of COVID-19 death. The data also revealed that black and Asian people may face a heightened risk.

Researchers have been looking for the best strategies to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and they are asking a key question for prevention: Who is more likely to develop severe COVID-19 illness?

One evidence suggests that older males (over 50 years), especially if they have a chronic underlying health condition, such as heart disease problems or diabetes are most likely to face a higher risk of COVID-19 death.

Now, a new study has found that a person’s race and ethnicity may be a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes.

For the study, the researchers analyzed the data of 17,425,445 adults. The team recorded people who had been hospitalized with COVID-19 between February 1 and April 21, 2020.

Overall research found that Asian and black people are more likely to develop a higher risk of COVID-19 death compared to white people.

“The answers provided by this OpenSAFELY analysis are of crucial importance to countries around the world. For example, it is very concerning to see that the higher risks faced by people from BAME backgrounds are not attributable to identifiable underlying health conditions,” said co-lead author Prof. Liam Smeeth from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.