In a 2012-2018 study by Chaiken et. al, it was found that Down syndrome rates have increased among Black, Hispanic and AIAN communities in the United States as compared to previous trends, but rates among white and Asian communities did not change. The explanation of this difference in rate of change is not clear. 

Down Syndrome Trends by Race/Ethnicity in the United States

The CDC conducted a study from 1968-1997 analyzing 34,000 cases of Down syndrome across the United States. The study revealed racial disparities, particularly comparing mortality rates between Black and white individuals with Down syndrome. 

Historic racial disparities of Down syndrome in mortality 

A 2016 study from the Journal of Pediatrics reported that among children with Down syndrome, Black children had a higher probability of having congenital heart disease as a comorbidity of Down syndrome than their white counterparts. 

Black children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease

A 2013 study, published by the Research in Developmental Disabilities journal, revealed that Hispanic children and Non-Hispanic Black children with Down syndrome reported higher hospital use than white children. This study also highlighted how costs for treatment in hospitals were higher for Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Blacks than for whites. The study mentioned how this correlates to the higher rates of congenital heart defects among Non-Hispanic Blacks. 

Racial/ethnic disparities in hospital use and costs for individuals with Down syndrome

Studies have revealed racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes among individuals with Down syndrome, particularly concerning life expectancy and congenital heart disease. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

As opposed to some health conditions or disabilities, Down syndrome occurrence is not associated with race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or geographic location. However, the health outcomes and lived experiences of individuals with Down syndrome and their caretakers may differ and have disparities among marginalized racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. 

Disparities

Esbensen, A., & Wang, L. (2019). Racial Disparity in Health Outcomes Among People with Down Syndrome Fact Sheet: Information to Better Support Families. https://www.dsagc.com/default/assets/File/Health%20Disparities%20Fact%20Sheet%20--%20FinalDraft-April%202019(1).pdf

Racial Disparity in Health Outcomes Among People with Down Syndrome 

Racial and Ethnic Disparities 

The Down syndrome community was highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; disproportionately impacted compared to typically developing people. A study from the American College of Physicians Public Health Emergency Collection reported that individuals with Down syndrome have a 4 fold increased risk for COVID-19 related hospitalization and a 10 fold increased risk in COVID-19 related mortality. The study discusses that the various health comorbidities of Down syndrome cause individuals with Down syndrome to have predispositions to other respiratory infections and diseases. 

 COVID-19 Disparities in individuals with Down syndrome

Socioeconomic factors (especially the education level of the mother/parents, income level, and geographic location) play a significant role in the health and quality of life outcomes of individuals with Down syndrome and their caretakers, and their lived experiences. Studies have shown that socioeconomic factors particularly have an impact in the prenatal detection of Down syndrome and the termination of diagnosed pregnancies. 

Socioeconomic Disparities

Individuals with Down syndrome are discriminated against across various settings because of negative and inaccurate perceptions of the disability. This discrimination limits the health, quality of life, and opportunities of individuals with Down syndrome. Discrimination is often present in medical, educational, and employment settings. 

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