HPIO analysis finds Ohio COVID-19 data increasingly lacks race information

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – New analysis by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio has found that the percentage of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths with unknown race has significantly increased since early September.

On Sept. 9, 11.8% of COVID-19 cases in Ohio had “unknown” listed for race. That number increased to 19.2% by Nov. 30. During that same time, the percentage of hospitalizations recorded as “unknown” for race increased from 2.8% to 5% and the percentage of deaths with unknown race increased from 1% to 4%.

“While it is not clear why race data is becoming less common in state reporting on COVID-19, the increase of ‘unknown’ race files means analysis of racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes is limited,” said Zach Reat, Director, Data Management and Analysis at HPIO.

The lack of complete COVID-19 data on race also poses challenges for plans to distribute the forthcoming vaccines.

“As Ohio finalizes its plans for the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the lack of complete data on race will make it more difficult for state policymakers to ensure that vaccines and other resources are targeted to groups with the worst outcomes,” said HPIO President Amy Rohling McGee.

For any questions about the analysis, for county-level data or if you would like to talk with HPIO President Amy Rohling McGee or HPIO Director of Data Management and Analysis Zach Reat, please call or text Nick Wiselogel at 614.530.9918 or email nwiselogel@hpio.net.  

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