Health Outcomes of American Indians and Non-American Indians Hospitalized with COVID-19 in Western South Dakota.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this project was to determine the presence of disproportionate health outcomes during COVID-19 hospitalizations between American Indian and non-American Indian populations in western South Dakota. METHODS: A retrospective chart review study was conducted from March 29, 2020-November 30, 2021 at a 400 bed community hospital in western South Dakota. Groups were categorized by American Indian status (AI) and Non-American Indian status (NAI) based on admission paperwork. Numerical data points collected include age of admits, length of stay, and number of comorbidities (including CHF, CHD, CAD, ESRD, ESLD, HTN, diabetes, obesity, immunocompromised status). Numerical data points were evaluated using a two sample t-test. Categorical data points included ICU admission, ventilator use, and mortality. Categorical data points were evaluated using Chi-squared analysis with a two-tailed p-value of less than 0.05 for statistical significance and a degrees of freedom of 1. RESULTS: The average age of admission for AI was 52.4, and NAI was 64.5. The average number of comorbidities for AI was 2.16, and NAI was 1.96 (p = 0.003). The average length of stay for AI admits was 9.14, and 8.54 for NAI admits (p = 0.158). There was no relationship between AI status and ICU admission, X2. A significant relationship was present between AI status and ventilator use, X2.There was no relationship between AI status and mortality from COVID-19 illness, X2. CONCLUSIONS: American Indians were hospitalized at younger ages and required greater use of ventilator assisted oxygenation therapy. Though mortality was similar between the groups, risk for long term morbidity, including post-acute coronavirus syndrome and ventilator-associated complications, may be greater among American Indians.