Disparities Made Invisible: Gaps in COVID-19 Data for American Indian and Alaska Native Populations.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Complete COVID-19 data for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations are critical to equitable pandemic response. Methods: We used the COVID-19 U.S. State Policy database to document gaps in COVID-19 data reporting for AI/AN people. Results: Sixty-four percent of states do not report AI/AN data for at least one COVID-19 health metric cases, hospitalizations, deaths, or vaccinations. Discussion: The lack of AI/AN-specific data masks the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 and presents challenges to COVID-19 prevention, policy implementation, and health equity. Conclusions: Public-facing data disaggregated by race may facilitate rapid response COVID-19 research and policymaking to support AI/AN communities.