African Americans have higher rates of chronic illnesses associated with greater vulnerability to COVID-19: Age-adjusted prevalence of asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity among black and white adults
| Black | White | |
|---|---|---|
| Asthma | 9.2% | 8.0% |
| Diabetes | 16.8% | 10.0% |
| Hypertension | 40.3% | 27.8% |
| Obesity | 49.6% | 42.2% |
Notes: White refers to non-Hispanic whites, black refers to blacks alone. Age-adjusted prevalence of asthma, diabetes, and hypertension among adults ages 18 and over. Age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among adults ages 20 and over.
Sources: National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview Survey 2018; National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2016, 2015–2016, and 2017–2018.