Household deprivation, comorbidities and COVID-19 hospitalization in 690,115 children/adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Background Studies document that adults in disadvantaged socio-economic positions have elevated risks of a severe course of COVID-19, but it is unclear if this holds true for children. We investigate in this population-based study whether young people from socio-economically disadvantaged households in Germany had a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization compared with more affluent counterparts. We also examined if differences were related to comorbidities that predict severe courses in children. Methods We included data from all 690,115 children and adolescents (0-18 years) enrolled in a statutory health insurance carrier. Daily hospital diagnoses of COVID-19 were recorded from 1.1.2020 to 13.7.2021. Logistic regressions were used to compare children from households with an indication of poverty (e.g. long- or short-term unemployed) with children from households with insurance holders in regular employment. We also assessed socio-economic characteristics of the area of residence. We controlled for age, sex, days under observation, nationality, and comorbidities (e.g. obesity). Findings A COVID-19 hospital diagnosis was a rare event (n = 1637). Children of long-term unemployed parents had a 1·36 times (95% CI 1·21-1·51) higher adjusted odds of hospitalization compared with those of employed parents. Elevated odds were also found for short-term unemployed or low-wage employment. Those living in poor areas had a 3·02 (1·81-5·22) higher odds of hospitalization than those in less deprived areas. Comorbidities were strongly related to hospitalization, but their adjustment did not change main estimates for household deprivation. Discussion Results suggest that children from poor households are at higher risk of severe courses of COVID-19 than their affluent counterparts. This underlies the need to implement effective Public Health strategies to protect deprived children from COVID-19 and other infectious disease even in high income countries such as Germany. Key messages • Children and adolescents from poor families seem to be at higer risk for sever courses of COVID-19. • Comorbidities were no key mediating factor in this study.