Lessons learned for preventing health disparities in future pandemics: the role of social vulnerabilities among children diagnosed with severe COVID-19 early in the pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hispanic ethnicity is associated with an increased risk for severe disease in children with COVID-19. Identifying underlying contributors to this disparity can lead to improved health care utilization and prevention strategies.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of children 2-20 years of age with positive SARS-CoV-2 testing from March-October 2020. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify demographic, comorbid health conditions, and social vulnerabilities as predictors of severe COVID-19 (need for hospital admission or respiratory support).

Results

We included 1572 children with COVID-19, of whom 45% identified as Hispanic. Compared to non-Hispanic children, patients who identified as Hispanic were more ofte

SUBMITTER: Graff K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11999811 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature