Ethnicity as a Risk Factor for the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Author(s): Abubaker M Hamad, HI Al-Mohammed, Mohammed Alkhorayef, Mohammed Y Abbas and Abdelmoneim Sulieman*
Abstract
Since its emergence in 2019, 2019-nCoV affected all human races on different continents by different rates based on different factors. It is highly essential to explore ethnicity variation and genetic background that might be predisposing factors in increasing susceptibility to being infected by this viral highly communicable disease. Thus, the objectives of this study are to review the current incidence and death rate for various ethnic groups and to develop risk factors list to be utilized for the management and treatment of patients suffering from COVID-19. The review carried out using global databases, including google scholar, the web of sciences, Scopus, PubMed. In this study, all reports classified into five ethnic groups, including Hispanic, African, Caucasian, and Asians. The current data showed that White (not Caucasians), Hispanic, African, and Asians have an incidence factor of 3.8, 2.3, 1.8 higher compared to White (Caucasians), respectively. Although the incidence depends on other factors such as the type of profession, it also indicates variation in incidence according to ethnic group. The current literature showed that even if people live in the same geographical region and with the same economic level, they will have different responses to the COVID-19. Some also suffered from adverse healthcare affects more than white community members. In-country levels, the death rate seems to be independent of ethnicity within Asian and African countries have the least death rate. A risk factors score developed for effective patient management.