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Preeclampsia and HIV account for a significant proportion of the global burden of disease and pose severe maternal–fetal risks. There is a dearth of literature regarding racial/ethnic disparities in preeclampsia associated with HIV/AIDS in the US. We retrospectively analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2002 to 2015 on a cohort of hospitalized pregnant women with or without preeclampsia and HIV. Joinpoint regression models were used to identify trends in the rates of preeclampsia among pregnant women living with or without HIV, stratified by race/ethnicity over the study period. We also assessed the association between preeclampsia and various socio-demographic factors. We analyzed over 60 million pregnancy-related hospitalizations, of which 3665 had diagnoses of preeclampsia and HIV, corresponding to a rate of 0.61 per 10,000. There was an increasing trend in the diagnosis of preeclampsia among hospitalized, pregnant women without HIV across each racial/ethnic category. The highest prevalence of preeclampsia was among non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks, regardless of HIV status. The increase in rates of pre-eclampsia between 2002 and 2015 was mostly noted among pregnant women without HIV. Regardless of HIV status, NH-Blacks experienced the highest discharge prevalence of preeclampsia.

Background Although regarded as rare in the United States (US), increased global traffic and importation of malaria from endemic countries may lead to a rise in gestational malaria in the US. Methods This multi-year retrospective study analyzed trends in diagnosed cases of gestational malaria from 2002 to 2017 using joinpoint regression models. We also assessed the association between gestational malaria and selected maternal-fetal adverse outcomes. Results Mothers diagnosed with gestational malaria tended to be older, and the majority of diagnosed cases (52.9%) were among Non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks. Diagnosed cases of gestational malaria are on the rise in the US. Mothers diagnosed with gestational malaria were 5 times as likely (OR = 5.05, 95% CI: 4.05–6.29) to be anemic as compared to those without malaria. Compared to NH-Whites, NH-Black mothers were twice as likely to experience stillbirth, had nearly 50% greater adjusted odds of severe preeclampsia, and had about 30% elevated likelihood for preterm labor. Conclusions There is a need to dedicate appropriate resources to identify women that are at risk for gestational malaria in order to prevent related pregnancy complications.

Objective Opioid use during pregnancy has increased in recent years, parallel with the opioid epidemic in the general population. Opioids are commonly used as an analgesic for pain crisis, a hallmark symptom of sickle cell disease (SCD). With the amplified frequency and severity of SCD pain crisis during pregnancy, the use of opioids may increase concurrently. The aim of this study was to examine trends in opioid-related disorders (ORDs) among pregnant women with and without SCD, as well as assess the risk for preterm labor, maternal sepsis, and poor fetal growth among patients with SCD and ORD. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of inpatient pregnancy- and childbirth-related hospital discharge data from the 2002–2014 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample database. The primary outcome was the risk of ORD in pregnant women with SCD and its impact on threatened preterm labor, fetal growth, and maternal sepsis. Results Among the >57 million pregnancy-related hospitalizations examined, 9.6 per 10,000 had SCD. ORD in mothers with SCD was four times as prevalent as in those without SCD (2% vs 0.5%). A significant rise in ORD occurred throughout the study period and was associated with an increased risk of maternal sepsis, threatened preterm labor, and poor fetal growth. Conclusions Pregnant women with SCD have a fourfold increased risk of ORD compared with their non-SCD counterparts. The current opioid epidemic continues to worsen in both groups, warranting a tailored and effective public health response to reduce the resulting adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Background Appendicitis is the most common extra-uterine surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention during pregnancy. However, risks for mortality and morbidity among pregnant women with appendicitis remain poorly understood. This study was conducted to determine the temporal trends of appendicitis in pregnant women, and to calculate the risk of maternal–fetal mortality and near-miss marker (i.e., cardiac arrest) among pregnant women in general, and by race/ethnicity. Methods We conducted this retrospective study using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2015. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate and describe temporal changes in the rates of all and acute appendicitis during the 14-year study period. We also estimated the risk of cardiac arrest, maternal, and fetal mortality among mothers of various racial/ethnic groups with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Within each group, patients without acute appendicitis were the referent category. Results and conclusions Out of the 58 million pregnancy hospitalizations during the study period, 63,145 cases (10.74 per 10,000 hospitalizations) were for acute appendicitis. There was a 5% decline (95% CI: − 5.1, − 5.0) in the rate of appendicitis hospitalizations over the period of the study. After adjusting for covariates, pregnant mothers with acute appendicitis had increased likelihood when compared to those without acute appendicitis to suffer fetal loss (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.85–2.28) and nearly fivefold increase for inpatient maternal death. In conclusion, appendicitis during pregnancy remains an important cause of in-hospital maternal–fetal mortality overall and regardless of race/ethnicity.

Background The prevalence of diabetes in pregnant women has increased in the USA over recent decades. The primary aim of this study was to assess the association between diabetes in pregnancy and maternal near-miss incident, maternal mortality and selected adverse foetal outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis among pregnancy-related hospitalizations in USA between 2002 and 2014. We examined the association between DM and GDM as exposures and maternal in-hospital mortality, maternal cardiac arrest, early onset of delivery, poor foetal growth and stillbirth as the outcome variables. Results Among the 57.3 million pregnant women in the study population, the prevalence of GDM and DM was 5.4 and 1.3%, respectively. We found that pregnant women with DM were three times more likely to experience cardiac arrest (OR = 3.21; 95% CI = 2.57–4.01) and in-hospital maternal death (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 2.45–3.79), as compared to those without DM. Among pregnant women with GDM and DM, the risk for early onset of delivery was higher, compared to women without GDM or DM. Conclusion A diagnosis of diabetes prior to pregnancy contributes significantly to the risk of maternal cardiac arrest, maternal mortality and adverse foetal outcomes.

Objective To assess patient- and hospital-level characteristics associated with opioid use in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive pregnant women and fetal health outcomes. Methods Using the 2002-2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we analyzed discharge records to describe the rates of opioid use among HIV-positive pregnant women. Logistic regression was used to quantify the magnitude of the association between exposure status and maternal-fetal outcomes. Results Opioid use was fourfold greater among HIV-positive pregnant women compared with their HIV-negative counterparts (odds ratio 4.0; 95% confidence interval 3.15-5.12). Relatively smaller but significant increases in the early onset of delivery, poor fetal growth, abortive pregnancy, and spontaneous abortion also were observed in association with HIV-positive status and opioid drug use during pregnancy. Conclusions An increased risk of negative maternal-fetal complications persists among HIV-positive women who use opioids during pregnancy. Focusing on predisposing factors and monitoring opioid dispensing may mitigate overuse or abuse in this vulnerable population.

Purpose Annually, 1%–2% of hospitalized patients are discharged against medical advice (AMA), positioning them at an increased risk of readmission, morbidity, and mortality. Our study aim was to examine 30-day all-cause readmission rates and estimate readmission odds among AMA discharges in the United States, across clinically distinct diagnostic subgroups. Methods We conducted a retrospective, serial cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2010–2017 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Descriptive statistics and 30-day all-cause readmission rates for hospitalizations among adults aged 18 years or older were estimated by major diagnostic subgroup, discharge disposition, and patient and hospital characteristics. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using multipredictor logistic regression. Results We found the AMA discharge to be an independent predictor of hospital readmission within 30 days, with a 25.6% readmission rate and an overall adjusted likelihood of readmission that was almost double to quadruple that of routine discharges. Furthermore, although hospitalizations experienced decreased odds of readmission after the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program implementation (October 1, 2012), our results demonstrate that the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program did not modify the impact of an AMA discharge on readmission. Conclusion These findings have implications for practice, policies, and interventions aimed at improving care quality, preventing AMA discharge, and reducing hospital readmissions in inpatient settings.

Background We sought to determine hospital length of stay (LOS) and cost burden associated with hospital admissions among pregnant women with HIV monoinfection, tuberculosis (TB) monoinfection, or HIV-TB coinfection in the United States. Methods Analysis covered the period from 2002-2014 using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Relevant ICD-9-CM codes were used to determine HIV and TB status. Costs associated with hospitalization were calculated and adjusted to 2010 dollars using the medical care component of the Consumer Price Index. Results We found modest annual average reduction in HIV, TB, and HIV-TB coinfection rates over the study period. The mean LOS was lowest among mothers free of HIV or TB disease and highest among those with HIV-TB coinfection. The average LOS among mothers diagnosed with TB monoinfection was 60% higher than for those with HIV monoinfection. The cost associated with pregnancy-related hospital admissions among mothers with HIV was approximately 30% higher than disease-free mothers, and the cost more than doubled among patients with TB monoinfection or HIV-TB coinfection. Conclusions TB significantly increased hospital care cost among HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women.

Objective. HIV and tuberculosis represent diseases of major public health importance worldwide. Very little is known about HIV-TB coinfection among pregnant women, especially from industrialized settings. In this study, we examined the association between TB, HIV, and HIV-TB coinfection among pregnant mothers and obstetric complications, alcohol use, drug abuse, and depression. Method. We examined inpatient hospital discharges in the United States from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2014. We employed multivariable survey logistic regression to generate adjusted estimates for the association between infection status and study outcomes. Results. We analyzed approximately 57 million records of pregnant women and their delivery information. HIV-TB coinfection was associated with the highest risks for several obstetric complications, alcohol use, and drug abuse. The risk for alcohol abuse was more than twice as high among HIV-monoinfected as compared to TB-monoinfected mothers. That risk gap more than doubled with HIV-TB coinfection. Both HIV-monoinfected and HIV-TB coinfected mothers experienced similarly increased risks for depression. Conclusions. Mothers with HIV-TB coinfection experienced relatively heightened risks for obstetric complications, alcohol use, and drug abuse. The findings of this study underscore the importance of augmenting and enhancing social and structural support systems for HIV-TB coinfected pregnant women.

Objective The relationship between sickle cell disease (SCD) and severe pre-eclampsia is poorly established. It is also unknown whether the occurrence of HIV infection among women with SCD modifies their risk level for severe pre-eclampsia. We hypothesized that pregnant women with SCD are at an elevated risk for severe pre-eclampsia as a result of heightened endothelial damage; and the combination of SCD-HIV augments the inflammatory processes of endothelial damage leading to amplified risk for severe pre-eclampsia. Study design We analyzed more than 57 million pregnancy-related hospitalizations and births in the US from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2014. Main outcome measures We applied multivariable survey logistic regression to generate odds ratios for the association between SCD, HIV and SCD-HIV status and severe pre-eclampsia with adjustment for potential confounders. Results Of the total 57,326,459 pregnant women, 57,198,505 (99.78%) did not have SCD or HIV, 73,064 (12.7 per 10,000) had HIV only, 54,890 (9.58 per 10,000) had SCD only and 222 (0.39 per 100,000) had both SCD and HIV. Mothers with SCD and HIV-SCD experienced a significant elevation in risk for severe pre-eclampsia of about 60% (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.44, 1.79) and of more than 300% (OR = 4.28; 95% CI = 1.35, 13.62) respectively. Conclusion In the largest study on SCD and pre-eclampsia in the world, we established SCD to be strongly associated with severe pre-eclampsia. Another unique finding is the synergistic effect of amplified risk for severe pre-eclampsia among mothers with the combined SCD-HIV status.

Objective To describe the rates and temporal trends of inpatient end-of-life care among patients hospitalized with metastatic cancer in the United States. Methods We used data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to conduct a cross-sectional analysis of unplanned inpatient hospitalizations of patients aged 18 years or older with metastatic cancer from 2002 to 2011. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess patient-and hospital-level predictors of discharge to hospice care, palliative care, and in-hospital mortality. Temporal trends in outcomes were characterized with use of joinpoint regression. Results There were an estimated 350,241 unplanned hospitalizations per year of patients with a diagnosis of metastatic cancer. During their inpatient stay, 5.8% of patients received palliative care, and among those discharged alive, 12.2% were referred to hospice care. The rate of inpatient palliative care increased from 2.3% to 13.6%, the rate of discharge to hospice care increased from 4.1% to 15.6%, and the in-hospital mortality rate decreased from more than 14.0% to 9.8%. These patterns were consistent across cancer subtypes, and were most pronounced among patients with extreme risk of mortality. Conclusion Despite increases in the provision of comfort-oriented care to patients with metastatic cancer, few receive such services. We recommend screening protocols in hospitals to identify patients who are good candidates for palliative care consultation and hospice referral.

Objective To describe differences in preferred roles in cancer treatment decision-making and identify associated sociodemographic and health-related factors among adults in the United States. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine associations. Results Half (48.3%) of respondents preferred a collaborative role in decision-making under the supposition of a moderate chance of survival; while 53.4% preferred a more active role when the chance of survival was low. Approximately 7%–8% indicated a preference for a passive role in decision-making, for both low and moderate chances of survival. Several predictors of role preference for cancer treatment decision-making emerged, including age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, and having a regular health care provider. At both low and moderate chances of survival, the college educated were less likely to prefer a passive role, whereas Hispanics were two to three times more likely than whites to indicate a preference for a passive role. Conclusion Adults’ role preference for cancer treatment decision-making may be influenced by sociodemographic and health-related factors. Increased awareness of these factors, paired with enhanced patient–provider communication, may assist health care professionals in providing individualized and high-quality, patient-centered cancer care.

Currently, data examining nationally representative prevalence and trends of HBV or HCV among specific subgroups of pregnant women in the US are unavailable. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of hospitalizations for liveborn singleton deliveries from 1998 to 2011 using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. After identifying deliveries with HBV, HCV, and HIV infection during pregnancy, survey logistic regression was used to identify risk factors. Temporal trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression. The rates of HBV and HCV were 85.8 and 118.6 per 100,000 deliveries, respectively; however, there was substantial variation across maternal and hospital factors. The HBV rate increased from 57.8 in 1998 to 105.0 in 2011, resulting in an annual increase of 5.5% (95% CI: 3.8-7.3). The HCV rate increased fivefold, from 42.0 in 1998 to over 210 in 2011. These trends were observed for nearly every population subgroup. However, we did observe differences in the degree to which hepatitis during pregnancy was becoming more prevalent. The increasing national trend in the prevalence of hepatitis among pregnant women was particularly concerning among already high-risk groups. This underscores the need for coordinated approaches-encompassing culturally-appropriate health education/risk-reduction programs, and increased vaccination and screening efforts-championed by health providers. J. Med. Virol. 89:1025-1032, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between pregnancy status and in-hospital mortality after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an inpatient setting. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases (2002–2011). International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to define cases, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. Rates of CPR among study groups were calculated by patient and hospital characteristics. Survey logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) that represent the association between pregnancy status and mortality after CPR. Joinpoint regression was used to describe temporal trends in CPR and mortality rates. RESULTS: During the study period, 5,923 women (13–49 years) received inpatient CPR annually. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates increased significantly from 2002 to 2011, by 6.4% and 3.8% annually, for pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively. In-hospital mortality rates after CPR were lower among pregnant women 49.4% (45.4–53.4) than nonpregnant women 71.1% (70.1–72.2), even after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.39–0.56). CONCLUSION: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an inpatient pregnant woman is associated with improved survival compared with this procedure in nonpregnant women. Elucidating reasons behind this association could help to improve CPR outcomes in both pregnant and nonpregnant women.

Background American trypanosomiasis, commonly referred to as Chagas disease, is caused by a single cell protozoan known as Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). Although those affected are mainly in Latin America, Chagas has been detected in the United States (US), Canada and in many European countries due to migration. Few studies have explored the epidemiology of Chagas within the US or changes in disease burden over the past decade. The objective of this study was to explore the trends and associated characteristics for Chagas disease among hospitalized women of reproductive age in the US. Methods We analyzed admissions data including socio-demographic and hospital characteristics for inpatient hospitalization for women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in the US from 2002 through 2017. We employed Joinpoint regression analysis to determine trends in the prevalence of Chagas disease over this period. Results A total of 487 hospitalizations of Chagas disease were identified, corresponding to 3.7 per million hospitalizations over the study period. The rate statistically increased from 1.6 per million in 2002 to 7.6 per million hospitalizations in 2017. Chagas was most prevalent among older women, Hispanics and those in the highest zip income bracket. The in-hospital mortality rate was about 10 times greater among women with Chagas compared to those without the condition (3.1% versus 0.3%), and the condition tended to be clustered in women treated at large, urban teaching hospitals in the Northeastern region of the US. Conclusion Chagas disease diagnosis appears to be increasing among hospitalized women of reproductive age in the US with a 10-fold elevated risk of mortality., Highlights • 3.7 per million hospitalizations were identified in the US over 2002‐–2017 among women of reproductive age. • Chagas was found to be most prevalent among older women, Hispanics and those in the highest zip income bracket. • The in-hospital mortality rate was about 10 times greater among women with Chagas compared to those without the condition. • Rates of Chagas hospitalizations were found to be increasing at 6.8% annually over the study period.

ObjectiveDespite emerging evidence of the detrimental effects of natural disasters on maternal and child health, little is known about exposure to tornadoes during the prenatal period and its impact on birth outcomes. We examined the relationship between prenatal exposure to the spring 2011 tornado outbreak in Alabama and Joplin (Missouri) and adverse birth outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study using the 2010-2012 linked infant births and deaths data set from the National Center for Health Statistics for tornado-affected counties in Alabama (n=126,453) and Missouri (Joplin, n=6,897). Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate associations between prenatal exposure to tornadoes and birth outcomes.ResultsPrenatal exposure to the tornado incidents did not influence birth weight outcomes. Women exposed to Alabama tornadoes were less likely to have a preterm birth compared to unexposed mothers (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.96). Preterm births among Joplin-tornado exposed mothers were slightly higher (13%) compared with unexposed mothers (11.2%). Exposed mothers from Joplin were also more likely to have a cesarean section compared to their counterparts (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.26).ConclusionsWe found no association between tornado exposure and adverse birth weight and infant mortality rates. Our findings suggest that prenatal exposure can amplify the odds for a cesarean section. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:279–286)

Objectives Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) represent the most common cause of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Yet, the prevalence and cost of postpartum (42-day) readmission (PPR) among HDP-complicated pregnancies in the United States remains unknown. This study provides national prevalence and cost estimates of HDP, and examine factors associated with potentially preventable PPR following HDP-complicated pregnancies. Method The 2013 and 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Databases were used to investigate HDP and PPR among delivery hospitalizations to women aged 15-49 years. PPR rates, length of stay, and costs were stratified by four HDP subtypes based on timing and severity of their condition. Survey logistic regression was employed to generate adjusted odds ratios for the association between HDP and PPR. Result In 2013 and 2014, there were 6.3 million delivery hospitalizations; 666 506 (10.6%) were complicated by HDP. Annually, HDP was responsible for higher rates of potentially preventable PPR. Among HDP-complicated pregnancies, the 42-day all-cause PPR rate ranged from 2.5% (gestational hypertension) to 4.6% (superimposed preeclampsia/eclampsia). Compared with normotensive pregnancies, HDP resulted in an excess 404 800 hospital days and inpatient care costs of $731 million. Even after controlling for patient-level and hospital-level confounders, all hypertensive subgroups continued to have at least two-fold, statistically significant, increased odds of potentially preventable PPR. Conclusion HDP is associated with increased risk of PPR and substantial medical costs. Preventive efforts should be made to identify women at increased risk of PPR during hospitalization so that transition care intervention can be initiated.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends, correlates, and healthcare costs associated with industry-related injuries across the United States between 1998 and 2011. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of hospital discharges was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample. We used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes to identify accidents occurring in industrial settings. Joinpoint regression modeling was used to analyze trends. RESULTS: Most of the 357,716 inpatient hospitalizations were admissions from the emergency department (55%). Fractures were the most prevalent injuries (48.1%), whereas the lower and upper extremities were the most common injury sites (51.7%). The mean per admission cost of direct medical care was $12,849, with an overall downward trend in injuries during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive trend analysis of industry-related injuries is valuable to policymakers in formulating targeted strategies and allocating resources to address disparities at various levels. Language: en

Objective This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of a point-of-care (POC) HbA1c stat lab intervention and a nurse-assisted expanded visit implemented among patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) at a community health center in Houston, TX. Methods This was a before-and-after POC intervention among adult patients who received primary care services between 1 July 2014 and 31 December 2014 (baseline visit) and who had at least one 3-month follow-up visit. Results Three hundred eighty-seven patients were included in the study. The majority were 9%) at baseline, with the highest average levels among Hispanic (10.9%) and black (10.7%) patients. There was a significant difference in the HbA1c level before (mean=10.65, SD=1.9291) and after (mean=9.25, SD=1.8187) intervention. The absolute reduction in the level of HbA1c was 1.4% (t=12.834, p Conclusion There is a distinct advantage in using a stat HbA1c lab when combined with shared POC visits to assist patients with uncontrolled T2D in lowering the HbA1c, improving self-management, and reducing long-term costs.

Background Pediatric malnutrition has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes, longer lengths of stay, and higher health care costs. Objective To characterize prevalence, temporal trends, and short-term clinical outcomes of coded diagnoses of pediatric malnutrition (CDM) across sociodemographic, clinical, and hospital characteristics from 2002 to 2011. Design This study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and the Kids' Inpatient Database. Participants/setting The study sample included pediatric inpatient hospitalizations in the United States. Main outcome measures International Classification of Diseases-9th Revision-Clinical Modification diagnosis codes were used to identify CDM and coded malnutrition subtypes based on an etiology-related definition of pediatric malnutrition. Statistical analyses The national frequency and prevalence of CDM overall and across patient- and hospital-level characteristics were estimated for children aged 1 month to 17 years. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between CDM and each characteristic. Analyses evaluated conditions associated with the highest burden and risk of CDM, and compared clinical outcomes across malnutrition subtypes. Joinpoint regression was used to describe temporal trends in CDM. Results Of the 2.1 million pediatric patients hospitalized annually, more than 54,600 had CDM, a national prevalence of 2.6%. Considerable variation was observed based on primary diagnosis, with fluid and electrolyte disorders contributing the most malnutrition cases. Highest CDM rates were among patients with stomach cancer, cystic fibrosis, and human immunodeficiency virus. Patients with CDM experienced worse clinical outcomes, longer lengths of stay, and increased costs of inpatient care. The overall prevalence of CDM increased from 1.9% in 2002 to 3.7% in 2011, an 8% annual increase, and temporal increases were observed in nearly all population subgroups. Conclusions Despite improvements, pediatric malnutrition remains underdiagnosed in inpatient settings when relying exclusively on International Classification of Diseases-based codes, which underscores the need for a national benchmarking program to estimate the true prevalence, clinical significance, and cost of pediatric malnutrition.

Objective To describe the national frequency, prevalence, and trends of discharge against medical advice (DAMA) among inpatient hospitalizations in the United States and identify differences across patient- and hospital-level characteristics, overall and in clinically distinct diagnostic subgroups. Patients and Methods We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of inpatient hospitalizations (≥18 years), discharged between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2011, using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic, and joinpoint regression were used for statistical analyses. Results Between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2011, more than 338,000 inpatient hospitalizations were discharged against medical advice each year, with a 1.9% average annual increase in prevalence over the decade (95% CI, 0.8%-3.0%). Temporal trends in DAMA varied by principal diagnosis. Among patients hospitalized for mental health- or substance abuse-related disorders, there was a −2.3% (95% CI, −3.8% to −0.8%) average annual decrease in the rate of DAMA. A statistically significant temporal rate change was not observed among hospitalizations for pregnancy-related disorders. Multivariable regression revealed several patient and hospital characteristics as predictors of DAMA, including lack of health insurance (odds ratio [OR], 3.78; 95% CI, 3.62-3.94), male sex (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 2.36-2.45), and northeast region (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.72-2.11). Other predictors included age, race/ethnicity, income, primary diagnosis, severity of illness, and hospital location/type and size. Conclusion Rates for DAMA have increased in the United States, and key differences exist across patient and hospital characteristics. Early identification of vulnerable patients and preventive measures such as improved patient-provider communication may reduce DAMA.

Objective: Health-related Internet use and eHealth technologies, including online patient-provider communication (PPC), are continually being integrated into health care environments. This study aimed to describe sociodemographic and health- and Internet-related correlates that influence adult patients’ interest in and electronic exchange of medical information with health care providers in the United States. Methods: Nationally representative cross-sectional data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey (N = 3677) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine associations between patient-level characteristics and online PPC behavior and interests. Results: Most respondents were Internet users (82.8%), and 61.5% of information seekers designated the Internet as their first source for health information. Younger respondents ( Conclusion: Patients’ interest in and display of online PPC-related behaviors vary by age, race/ethnicity, education, income, Internet access/behaviors, and information type. These findings can inform efforts aimed at improving the use and adoption of eHealth technologies, which may contribute to a reduction in communication inequalities and health care disparities.

Background Despite decades of efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in the United States (US), TB still contributes to adverse ill health, especially among racial/ethnic minorities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2016, about 87% of the TB cases reported in the US were among racial and ethnic minorities. The objective of this study is to explore the risks for pregnancy complications and in-hospital death among mothers diagnosed with TB across racial/ethnic groups in the US. Methods This retrospective cohort study utilized National Inpatient Sample data for all inpatient hospital discharges in the US. We analyzed pregnancy-related hospitalizations and births in the US from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2014 (n = 57,393,459). Multivariable logistic regression was applied to generate odds ratios for the association between TB status and the primary study outcomes (i.e., pregnancy complications and in-hospital death) across racial/ethnic categories. Results The prevalence of TB was 7.1 per 100,000 pregnancy-related hospitalizations. The overall prevalence of pregnancy complications was 80% greater among TB-infected mothers than their uninfected counterparts. Severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, placenta previa, post-partum hemorrhage, sepsis and anemia occurred with greater frequency among mothers with a TB diagnosis than those without TB, irrespective of race/ethnicity. The rate of in-hospital death among TB patients was 37 times greater among TB-infected than in non-TB infected mothers (468.8 per 100,000 versus 12.6 per 100,000). A 3-fold increased risk of in-hospital death was observed among black TB-negative mothers compared to their white counterparts. No racial/ethnic disparities in maternal morbidity or in-hospital death were found among mothers with TB disease. Conclusion TB continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women in the US. Resources to address TB disease should also target pregnant women, especially racial/ethnic minorities who bear the greatest burden of the disease.

Objective This study aimed to describe disparities and temporal trends in the level of perceived patient–provider communication quality (PPPCQ) in the United States, and to identify sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with elements of PPPCQ. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using nationally-representative data from the 2011–2013 iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Descriptive statistics, multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations. Results PPPCQ scores, the composite measure of patients’ ratings of communication quality, were positive overall (82.8; 95% CI: 82.1–83.5). However, less than half (42–46%) of respondents perceived that providers always addressed their feelings, spent enough time with them, or helped with feelings of uncertainty about their health. Older adults and those with a regular provider consistently had higher PPPCQ scores, while those with poorer perceived general health were consistently less likely to have positive perceptions of their providers' communication behaviors. Conclusions Disparities in PPPCQ can be attributed to patients’ age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, employment status, income, healthcare access and general health. Practice implications These findings may inform educational and policy efforts which aim to improve patient–provider communication, enhance the quality of care, and reduce health disparities.

Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) have been previously linked to quality of life, health conditions, and life expectancy in adulthood. Less is known about the potential mechanisms which mediate these associations. This study examined how ACE influences adult health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a low-income community in Florida. Methods A community-based participatory needs assessment was conducted from November 2013 to March 2014 with 201 residents of Tampa, Florida, USA. HRQoL was measured by an excessive number of unhealthy days experienced during the previous 30-day window. Mediation analyses for dichotomous outcomes were conducted with logistic regression. Bootstrapped confidence intervals were generated for both total and specific indirect effects. Results Most participants reported ‘good to excellent health’ (76 %) and about a fourth reported ‘fair to poor health’ (24 %). The mean of total unhealthy days was 9 days per month (SD ±10.5). Controlling for demographic and neighborhood covariates, excessive unhealthy days was associated with ACE (AOR = 1.23; 95 % CI: 1.06, 1.43), perceived stress (AOR = 1.07; 95 % CI: 1.03, 1.10), and sleep disturbance (AOR = 8.86; 3.61, 21.77). Mediated effects were significant for stress (β = 0.08) and sleep disturbances (β = 0.11) as they related to the relationship between ACE and excessive unhealthy days. Conclusion ACE is linked to adult HRQoL. Stress and sleep disturbances may represent later consequences of childhood adversity that modulate adult quality of life. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12955-015-0323-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.