COVID-19 Exposure, Susceptibility, and Treatment Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Pennsylvania, USA: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional, Non-Probability Web Panel Survey

This study adopted a survey instrument based on a consistent conceptual framework to investigate racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 exposure, susceptibility, and treatment among Pennsylvania residents. A cross-sectional design was implemented through primary data collection using a non-probability web panel. Quota sampling ensured statewide representativeness by region and combined age/gender categories, yielding a final sample of 1043 residents across 64 counties who completed the survey between February and April 2021. Propensity score matching was utilized to estimate average effects of race/ethnicity on COVID-19-related outcomes. Results indicated that racial/ethnic minority respondents were more likely than non-Hispanic White respondents to live in apartments or group quarters. Non-Hispanic Blacks and Asians were disproportionately urban residents, while non-Hispanic Blacks faced increased COVID-19 exposure risks due to reliance on public transportation. Additionally, Non-Hispanic Others experienced higher exposure risks from insufficient sick leave and caregiving responsibilities. The study found limited evidence for disparities in susceptibility and treatment. These findings highlight how disparities in COVID-19 exposure conditions likely contribute significantly to the differing COVID-19 outcomes observed between racial/ethnic minorities and non-Hispanic Whites in Pennsylvania.