COVID-19 Readmission Is Highest Among Refugees in Denmark

Amar Ali Moussa (), Marwa Mohammad, Andreas Halgreen Eiset, Signe Freja Storgaard and Christian Wejse
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Amar Ali Moussa: The Research Unit for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Marwa Mohammad: The Research Unit for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Andreas Halgreen Eiset: The Research Unit for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Signe Freja Storgaard: The Research Unit for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Christian Wejse: The Research Unit for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 3, 1-10

Abstract: Vulnerable groups, including certain immigrant populations, have faced higher COVID-19 incidence rates in several countries. This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding disease severity and readmission odds among refugees, other immigrant groups, and native Danes. Using clinical data from 159 COVID-19-positive patients admitted to hospitals in the Central Denmark Region in 2020, this cross-sectional analysis compared clinical parameters at admission and 30-day readmission odds. The findings revealed no significant differences in clinical status upon admission between groups. Refugees (51.8%) and Others (41.7%) had fewer comorbidities than native Danes (61.2%). Native Danes were more frequently categorized with the highest Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores. Readmission prevalence was highest among Refugees (23.1%), followed by native Danes (17.0%) and Others (8.3%). After adjusting for age, sex, and CCI, Refugees had a readmission odds ratio (OR) of 1.88 (95% CI, 0.61–5.74) and Others had an OR of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.07–5.41) for readmission compared to native Danes, although this was not statistically significant. This study’s significance lies in highlighting the distinct healthcare challenges faced by refugees during the pandemic. Its findings are beneficial for public health policymakers and healthcare professionals seeking to reduce readmission risks and improve COVID-19 outcomes for immigrant populations.

Keywords: COVID-19; migrant health; refugee health; readmission; COVID-19 status at admission (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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