SARS-CoV-2 infections in migrant populations in Germany: results from the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring Survey

ABSTRACT

Objectives Research shows that there is an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in migrants and ethnic minorities. However, increasing evidence indicates that socio-economic factors, such as employment, education and income, contribute to the association between migrant status and SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to examine the association between migrant status and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Germany, and to discuss potential explanations for these associations. Study design Cross-sectional study. Methods Data from the German COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring online survey were analysed and hierarchical multiple linear regression models were used to calculate the probabilities of self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection. Predictor variables were integrated in a stepwise method as follows (1) migrant status (defined by own or parental country of birth other than Germany);(2) gender, age and education;(3) household size;(4) household language;and (5) occupation in the health sector, including an interaction term of migrant status (yes) and occupation in the health sector (yes). Results Of 45,858 participants, 3.5% reported a SARS-CoV-2 infection and 16% were migrants. Migrants, participants in large households, those speaking a language other than German in their household and those working in the health sector were more likely to report SARS-CoV-2 infection. The probability of reporting SARS-CoV-2 infection was 3.95 percentage points higher for migrants than non-migrants;this probability decreased when integrating further predictor variables. The strongest association of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed for migrants working in the health sector. Conclusions Migrants and health sector employees, especially migrant health workers, are at an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results show that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is determined by living and working conditions rather than migrant status.