COVID-19 Readmission Is Highest Among Refugees in Denmark

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Vulnerable groups, including immigrants, experienced higher COVID-19 incidence.
• Knowledge gaps exist regarding COVID-19 severity and readmission among refugees and other immigrant groups compared to native populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare COVID-19 disease severity and 30-day readmission odds among refugees, other immigrants, and native Danes.
• To identify healthcare disparities and inform strategies for improving outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of clinical data from 159 COVID-19 patients in the Central Denmark Region (2020).
• Comparison of clinical parameters at admission and 30-day readmission rates.
• Statistical adjustment for age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in clinical status at admission between refugees, other immigrants, and native Danes.
• Refugees (23.1%) and native Danes (17.0%) had higher readmission prevalence than 'Others' (8.3%).
• Adjusted odds ratios for readmission were not statistically significant across groups.

Conclusions:

• Refugees face distinct healthcare challenges, evidenced by higher readmission rates post-COVID-19 hospitalization.
• Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce readmission risks for immigrant populations.
• Public health policymakers and healthcare providers can utilize these insights to enhance COVID-19 care for refugees and immigrants.