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Racial disparities in children tested for SARS-CoV-2 at pediatric emergency departments: A prospective cohort study

Gabrielle Freire1,2, Vikram Sabhaney3,4, April Kam5

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Paediatrics & Child Health
|December 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Racial disparities in children are linked to higher SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) test positivity and varied health outcomes. Understanding these differences is crucial for equitable pediatric healthcare.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Health Equity Research
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes are well-documented.
  • The impact of race on pediatric SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection rates and subsequent health outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between race and SARS-CoV-2 test positivity in children.
  • To evaluate racial differences in medical interventions, hospitalization, and post-COVID condition (PCC) among pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study involving children under 18 years old tested for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Data collected from Canadian pediatric emergency departments between August 2020 and February 2022.
  • Multi-level logistic regression models used to assess associations between self-reported race and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Most racial minority groups showed higher odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 compared to White children.
  • Indigenous children had higher odds of hospitalization, while Black children had lower odds of reporting PCC.
  • Racial disparities were observed in medical interventions, with minority groups having lower odds.

Conclusions:

  • Significant racial disparities exist in SARS-CoV-2 test positivity and health outcomes among Canadian children.
  • Further research is needed to understand the contributing factors to these disparities and promote health equity.
Abstract

Keywords:
Emergency medicineEquityPost-covid conditionsRaceSARS-CoV-2

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