Michigan COVID-19 Recovery Surveillance Study Data Report 9: Racial and Ethnic Differences
in Access to Care, Recovery, and the Social Impact of COVID-19 in Michigan - July
2024
Among adults with COVID-19 who sought care, more than 50% of Non-Hispanic (NH) Black
adults sought care at an emergency room only compared to 33% of NH White adults, while
approximately 20% of NH Arab/Middle Eastern/North African and Hispanic adults were
turned away from needed care compared to 13% of NH White adults.
NH Black adults were more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 and were more likely
to report severe or very severe symptoms than other racial and ethnic groups.
At least 20% of adults who identified as Hispanic, NH Black, or American Indian/Alaska
Native experienced Long COVID, defined as persistent symptoms lasting at least 90
days.
Among adults with COVID-19, American Indian/Alaska Native adults had the highest proportion
with anxiety symptoms, while Hispanic adults had the highest proportion with depressive
symptoms.
Approximately four in ten adults with COVID-19 who identified as American Indian/Alaska
Native, NH Black, or Hispanic experienced COVID-related stigma. Nearly one in three
Hispanic adults were afraid to disclose their COVID-19 illness to friends or family
and one in five Hispanic adults were afraid to disclose their COVID-19 diagnosis at
work.
Approximately one in three NH Black adults with COVID-19 were unable to pay important
bills, while nearly 60% of adults who identified as NH Arab/Middle Eastern/North African
or NH Black experienced a loss of employment or reduction in hours worked since the COVID-19 pandemic
began.
