Members of minority groups are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Which is an example of why this occurs?

• A. the societal factor of racism
• B. the biological predisposition
• C. higher education levels
• D. greater income inequality

Answer: (A)

Disparities in COVID-19 outcomes arise from social factors shaped by racism that influence who is exposed to the virus, who can access care, and how much protection people have in daily life. Racism structures many concrete barriers: people from minority groups are more likely to work in front-line or essential jobs with higher exposure, live in crowded housing where transmission is easier, and face barriers to testing, treatment, and preventive resources. It also affects stress levels, chronic health conditions, and trust in the health system, all of which can worsen outcomes.

Biological predisposition isn’t the main driver here, and while education and income levels relate to health, they don’t alone explain the disproportionate impact as directly as racist systems do.