Social and ethnic disparities in stillbirth and infant death in Denmark, 2005-2016

Ethnic disparity in stillbirth and infant death has been demonstrated in Europe. As the relation between migration and health change over time, this population based register study investigated the recent figures and explored if potential differences could be explained by the well-known educational and income inequalities in stillbirth and infant death using a novel approach. Stillbirth and infant mortality varied considerably according to country of origin, with only immigrants from China, Norway, and Poland having an overall lower risk than Danish women. Women of Pakistani, Turkish, and Somali origin had a particularly high risk of both outcomes. Women from recent high conflict areas displayed a pattern with increased stillbirth risk. An observed excess risks across generations was found, which is disturbing and rule out factors related to language barriers or newness. Differences in educational level and household income explained only part of the observed inequalities. Strengthening of the maternity care system to better understand and meet the needs of immigrant women seems needed to mitigate the disparities.

Automated summary

Ethnic disparities in stillbirth and infant mortality rates have been demonstrated in Europe. The relationship between migration and health outcomes is evolving over time, with factors such as education and income playing a role in these disparities. Differences in risk were found among immigrants from various countries, with some groups showing particularly high risks while others had lower risks compared to the native population. Strengthening maternity care systems to better address the needs of immigrant women may help reduce these disparities.