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Background and hypothesisIn the United States, women with schizophrenia face challenges in receiving gynecologic care, but little is known about how cervical cancer screening rates vary across time or states in a publicly insured population. We hypothesized that women Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia would be less likely to receive cervical cancer screening across the United States compared with a control population, and that women with schizophrenia and other markers of vulnerability would be least likely to receive screening.Study designThis retrospective cohort study used US Medicaid administrative data from across 44 states between 2002 and 2012 and examined differences in cervical cancer screening test rates among 283 950 female Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia and a frequency-matched control group without serious mental illness, matched on age and race/ethnicity. Among women with schizophrenia, multivariable logistic regression estimated the odds of receiving cervical cancer screening using individual sociodemographics, comorbid conditions, and health care service utilization.Study resultsCompared to the control group, women with schizophrenia were less likely to receive cervical cancer screening (OR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.75-0.77). Among women with schizophrenia, nonwhite populations, younger women, urban dwellers, those with substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression and those connected to primary care were more likely to complete screening.ConclusionsCervical cancer screening rates among US women Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia were suboptimal. To address cervical cancer care disparities for this population, interventions are needed to prioritize women with schizophrenia who are less engaged with the health care system or who reside in rural areas.

Despite the known higher risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes, the pathophysiology and optimal management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), a leading complication associated with diabetes, is complex and continues to evolve. Complications of type 2 diabetes, such as DFUs, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality and the leading cause of major lower extremity amputation in the United States. There has recently been a strong focus on the prevention and early treatment of DFUs, leading to the development of multidisciplinary diabetic wound and amputation prevention clinics across the country. Mounting evidence has shown that, despite these efforts, amputations associated with DFUs continue to increase. Furthermore, due to increasing patient complexity of management secondary to comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, the management of peripheral artery disease associated with DFUs has become increasingly difficult, and care delivery is often episodic and fragmented. Although structured, process-specific approaches exist at individual institutions for the management of DFUs in the cardiovascular patient population, there is insufficient awareness of these principles in the general medicine communities. Furthermore, there is growing interest in better understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of DFUs to better define personalized medicine to improve outcomes. The goals of this scientific statement are to provide salient background information on the complex pathogenesis and current management of DFUs in cardiovascular patients, to guide therapeutic and preventive strategies and future research directions, and to inform public policy makers on health disparities and other barriers to improving and advancing care in this expanding patient population.

Objective: To examine differential changes in receipt of surgery at National Cancer Institute (NCI)‐designated comprehensive cancer centers (NCI‐CCC) and Commission on Cancer (CoC) accredited hospitals for patients with cancer more likely to be newly eligible for coverage under Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance expansions, relative to those less likely to have been impacted by the ACA. Data Sources and Study Setting: Pennsylvania Cancer Registry (PCR) for 2010–2019 linked with discharge records from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4). Study Design: Outcomes include whether cancer surgery was performed at an NCI‐CCC or a CoC‐accredited hospital. We conducted a difference‐in‐differences analysis, estimating linear probability models for each outcome that control for residence in a county with above median county‐level pre‐ACA uninsurance and the interaction between county‐level baseline uninsurance and cancer treatment post‐ACA to capture differential changes in access between those more and less likely to become newly eligible for insurance coverage (based on area‐level proxy). All models control for age, sex, race and ethnicity, cancer site and stage, census‐tract level urban/rural residence, Area Deprivation Index, and year‐ and county‐fixed effects. Data Collection/Extraction Methods: We identified adults aged 26–64 in PCR with prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer who received cancer‐directed surgery and had a corresponding surgery discharge record in PHC4. Principal Findings: We observe a differential increase in receiving care at an NCI‐CCC of 6.2 percentage points (95% CI: 2.6–9.8; baseline mean = 9.8%) among patients in high baseline uninsurance areas (p = 0.001). Our estimate of the differential change in care at the larger set of CoC hospitals is positive (3.9 percentage points [95% CI: −0.5‐8.2; baseline mean = 73.7%]) but not statistically significant (p = 0.079). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that insurance expansions under the ACA were associated with increased access to NCI‐CCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design. Retrospective review of a single institution cohort. Objective. To determine whether area deprivation index (ADI) or social vulnerability index (SVI) is more suitable for evaluating minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement following elective lumbar fusion as captured by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Summary of Background Data. A total of 182 patients who underwent elective one-level to two-level posterior lumbar fusion between January 2015 and September 2021. Materials and Methods. ADI and SVI values were calculated from patient-supplied addresses. Patients were grouped into quartiles based on values; higher quartiles represented greater disadvantage. MCID thresholds for Pain Interference (PI) and Physical Function (PF) were determined through a distributionbased method. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors impacting MCID attainment. Univariate logistic regression was performed to determine which themes comprising SVI values affected MCID achievement. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that ADI and SVI quartile assignment significantly impacted achievement of MCID for PI (P= 0.04 and 0.01, respectively) and PF (P=0.03 and 0.02, respectively). Specifically, assignment to the third ADI and SVI quartiles were significant for PI (OR: 0.39 and 0.23, respectively), and PF (OR: 0.24 and 0.22, respectively). Race was not a significant predictor of MCID for either PI or PF. Univariate logistic regression demonstrated that among SVI themes, the socioeconomic status theme significantly affected achievement of MCID for PI (P= 0.01), while the housing type and transportation theme significantly affected achievement of MCID for PF (P= 0.01). Conclusion. ADI and SVI quartile assignment were predictors of MCID achievement. While ADI and SVI may both identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes following lumbar fusion, SVI offers greater granularity in terms of isolating themes of disadvantage impacting MCID achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a paucity of information on racial and ethnic disparities relating to barriers to care in healthcare access and utilization in patients with cutaneous malignancies. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of adults with melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) All of Us Research Program collected between May 2018 and July 2022. Participants included adults (aged 18 or older) with cutaneous malignancy who completed the Health Care Access and Utilization survey. We identified 5,817 adults who were diagnosed with BCC (67%), cSCC (28.9%), and melanoma (23.9%). Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic patients were more likely than non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients to delay a primary care visit due to cost (p = 0.005 and p = 0.015, respectively). NHB patients were also more likely to delay care due to lack of transportation (p < 0.001). NHB and Hispanic patients were more likely to place importance on seeing a provider from the same background (NHB p < 0.002; Hispanic p = 0.002) and also were more likely to report never being able to see such a provider (NHB p < 0.001; Hispanic p = 0.002). Medicaid/Medicare patients, non-college graduates, and those with lower incomes also faced increased barriers to care, including delays due to cost and transportation issues. People of color with cutaneous malignancies are more likely to delay care in seeing primary care providers due to cost or transportation issues. This study provides important insights on disproportionate healthcare usage among racial/ethnic groups that may help mitigate healthcare disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our country's population continues to diversify, highlighting the need for an equally diverse physician workforce to care for patients. Unfortunately, the percentage of underrepresented minority residents in dermatology has remained relatively unchanged over the past several years. To address this disparity, the American Academy of Dermatology created the Pathways Programs to focus on early exposure to dermatology, skill-building workshops, research, and mentorship. The overarching goal is to increase the number of underrepresented minority dermatologists, which will result in improved patient care and mitigation of healthcare disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite increased awareness of persistent healthcare disparities, integrating health equity education into medical residency curricula needs urgent expansion. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandates addressing healthcare disparities and social determinants of health, but implementation remains insufficient due to pervasive barriers. Objective: To explore residency faculty perspectives at one institution surrounding implementing a health equity curriculum within their programs. Methods: Between November 2022 and April 2023, qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with residency faculty participants (n = 13) from a large academic medical institution. Participants were recruited via an internal email list directory of program directors. Semi-structured sessions explored faculty perspectives on health equity curriculum implementation. Data analysis utilized template analysis and thematic coding. Results: Faculty perceived barriers included limited time for teaching health equity, challenges in prioritizing health equity content within the curriculum, lack of formal training and expertise, discomfort in leading discussions, and institutional barriers such as resource allocation and lack of buy-in. Conclusions: Findings underscored the need for institutionally supported faculty development and protected learning time for health equity education. Despite participant recruitment and representation limitations, the study provides valuable insights for addressing curricular challenges. This study highlights critical areas for improving health equity curriculum implementation in graduate medical education. Addressing these faculty barriers can enhance resident competency in identifying and addressing healthcare disparities. Trial registration: The study received approval from the Thomas Jefferson Institutional Review Board (IRB #22E.762). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The impact of socioeconomic inequalities on cancer care and outcomes has been well recognized and the underlying causes are likely multifactorial. Income is regarded as a cornerstone of socioeconomic status and has been assumed to correlate with access to care. We therefore sought to investigate whether income and changes in income would affect the rate of patients undergoing surgical resection for early-stage pancreatic cancer. Methods: Inflation-adjusted income data were obtained from the United States Census Bureau from 2010 to 2019. The cancer data were obtained from the SEER database. Counties present in both data sets were included in the analysis. Patients with stage I or II pancreatic cancer who underwent formal resection were deemed to have undergone appropriate surgical management. Patients were grouped into an early (2010-2014) and late (2015-2019) time period. Results: The final analysis included 23968 patients from 173 counties across 11 states. The resection rate was 45.1% for the entire study and rose from 42.8% to 47.4% from the early to late time periods (P < .001). The median change in income between the two time periods was an increase by $2387. The rate of resection was not dependent on income class or income change in our study population. Conclusion: Our surgical care of pancreatic cancer is improving with more patients undergoing resection. In addition, there are now fewer disparities between patients of lower-income and higher-income groups with respect to receiving surgical intervention. This implies that our access to care has improved over the past decade. This is an encouraging finding with regards to reducing health care disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informed by Minority Stress Theory, to investigate disparities in pain intensity, interference, and care in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) based on demographic features. Cross-sectional survey. Outpatient SCI clinics in 2 academic medical centers in the northwestern United States. Sample of 242 SCI clinic patients who endorsed SCI-related pain, were ≥18-years-of-age, English-fluent, not diagnosed with bipolar or psychotic disorders, and able to make their own medical decisions. Participants were 74.8% men, an average of 48.5 years (range 18.1-89.8 years), 76.2% White, 31.9% privately insured, and 64.7% making <$50,000 per year. Not applicable. Exploratory analyses of screening data from a randomized controlled trial for pain treatment. Primary outcomes included pain intensity, pain interference, and the patient report of recommended pain treatments by a medical provider, tried by the patient, or that the patient would be willing to try. More treatments recommended was associated with younger age (ρ=−0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.01 to −0.27, P =.03) and private insurance (ρ=-0.15, 95% CI: 0.02-0.27, P =.03), whereas more treatments tried was associated with private insurance alone (ρ=0.20, 95% CI: 0.07-0.32, P =.003). Number of treatments willing to be tried was associated with lower income (ρ=−0.15, 95% CI: −0.02 to −0.28, P =.03). SCI patients of color (PoC) reported higher pain intensity (Cohen's d =0.41, 95% CI: 0.11-0.71) and greater odds of receiving psychotherapy for pain (odds ratio: 7.12, 95% CI: 1.25-40.46) than their White peers. These exploratory findings indicate differences in SCI-related pain intensity based on identifying as PoC, and differences in SCI-related pain treatment modalities based on identifying as PoC, age, insurance type, and income. Further work exploring differences in SCI-related pain care based on patient social identities is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social determinants of health are prognostic indicators for patients undergoing orthopedic procedures. Purpose: Using the area deprivation index (ADI), a validated, weighted index of material deprivation and poverty (a 0%-to-100% scale, with higher percentages indicating greater disadvantage), we sought to evaluate whether there are associations in shoulder arthroplasty patients between higher ADI and rates of (1) medical complications, (2) emergency department (ED) utilizations, (3) readmissions, and (4) costs. Methods: We queried the PearlDiver nationwide database for patients who had undergone primary shoulder arthroplasty from 2010 to 2020. Patients from regions associated with high ADI (95%+) were 1:1 propensity matched to a comparison group by age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. This yielded 49,440 patients in total. Outcomes included 90-day complications, ED utilizations, readmissions, and costs. Logistic regression models computed odds ratios (ORs) of ADI on the dependent variables. P values of <.05 were significant. Results: Patients from high ADI regions showed higher rates and odds of complications than those in the comparison group (10.84% vs 9.45%; OR: 1.10), including acute kidney injuries (1.73% vs 1.38%; OR: 1.23), urinary tract infections (3.19% vs 2.80%; OR: 1.13), and respiratory failures (0.49% vs 0.33%; OR: 1.44), but not increased ED visits (2.66% vs 2.71%; OR: 0.99) or readmissions (3.07% vs 2.96%; OR: 1.03). Patients from high ADI regions incurred higher costs on day of surgery ($8251 vs $7337) and at 90 days ($10,999 vs $9752). Conclusions: This 10-year retrospective database study found that patients from high ADI regions undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty had increased rates of all 90-day medical complications, suggesting that measures of social determinants of health could inform health care policy and improve post-discharge care in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveDesignResultsConclusionOlder Black adults continue to experience heightened rates of chronic illness and poor health outcomes. Further, older Black adults must navigate interlocking systems of oppression (e.g. racism, ageism, ableism, and classism etc.) that impact their healthcare utilization. Telehealth has emerged as a common health care modality, which presents unique concerns for aging populations.The present study explored the motivators of and barriers to in-person healthcare and video telehealth use among a sample of predominantly lower-income, older Black adults. The researchers collaborated with community scientists to recruit, facilitate focus groups and provide technological support for participants. Sixteen virtual focus groups were conducted (n = 147) with older Black adults aged 55–84 years. The researchers utilized a thematic analysis approach to identify twelve distinct themes.Participants identified the following as motivators to using in-person health care: improved patient-provider relationships, increased community support, and more culturally sensitive resources. Limited accessibility, discrimination and resulting distrust, and poor patient-provider communication were identified as barriers to in-person health care use. E-health literacy and accessibility both emerged as motivators of and barriers to using telehealth, while disinterest in telehealth and impersonal patient-provider relationships were noted as additional barriers.These findings provide key implications for reducing the burden of health care inequity for older Black adults. Future implementation research should use equity-focused frameworks such as the patient-centered culturally sensitive health care (PC-CSHC) model. Additionally, collaboration with the community is necessary to create and implement the necessary culturally sensitive health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Study Setting and Design Data Sources and Analytic Sample Principal Findings Conclusion To understand why American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) populations have had exceptionally high COVID‐19 mortality, we compare patterns of healthcare utilization and outcomes for two serious infectious respiratory diseases—Influenza‐like‐illness (ILI) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)—between American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) populations (as identified in Medicaid data) and non‐Hispanic Whites over the 2009–2021 period.We select all people under the age of 65 years identified as non‐Hispanic White or AIAN in the New York State Medicaid claims data between 2009 and 2021. We analyze data across 10 ILI cohorts (between September 2009 and August 2020) and 4 COVID‐19 cohorts (March–June 2020, July–September 2020, October–December 2020, and January–June 2021). We examine mortality and utilization rates using logistic regressions, adjusting for demographic characteristics, prior chronic conditions, and geographic location (including residence near a reservation). We stratify the analysis by rural vs. nonrural counties.We use the New York State Medicaid claims data for the analysis.We find that even among Medicaid beneficiaries, who are similar in socioeconomic status and identical in health insurance coverage, AIAN populations have much lower rates of use of outpatient services and much higher rates of acute (inpatient and emergency room) service utilization for both ILI and COVID‐19 than non‐Hispanic Whites. Prior to COVID‐19, demographic and health status‐adjusted all‐cause mortality rates, including from ILI, were lower among American Indians than among non‐Hispanic Whites on New York State Medicaid, but this pattern reversed during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Both findings are driven by nonrural counties. We did not observe significant differences in all‐cause mortality and acute service utilization comparing AIAN to non‐Hispanic Whites in rural areas.The utilization and mortality disparities we identify within the Medicaid population highlight the need to move beyond insurance in addressing poor health outcomes in the American Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After-hours telemedicine services for emergency care are thought to offer a solution for patients who live at a distance from traditional face-to-face emergency services. This study evaluates such a service in a Health Maintenance Organization, focusing on the differences between central and peripheral populations. Methods: In this cross-sectional database study, we collected data regarding the encounter and patient characteristics, including prescriptions, referrals for further evaluation in a traditional emergency department (ED), and the distance from a traditional ED. Other outcome measures included health care utilization after the encounter such as primary care physician (PCP) encounters, additional telemedicine encounters, ED visits, and hospitalization. Results: In total, 45,411 patient visits were analyzed. Medication was prescribed in 25% of the encounters, and a referral to an ED was given in 22%. In total, 17.7% of the patients visited an ED within 24 h of the index encounter. In total, 64.8% of patients visited a PCP in the following 30 days. No further care was needed in 32.4% of the encounters. In multivariable logistic regression, the odds of using the service were lower for low socio-economic status groups and inhabitants of the periphery than the central areas. A weak reverse correlation was observed in Jewish sectors regarding distance from traditional ED, whereas no correlation was found in the Arab sector. Conclusion: It is commonly believed that telemedicine overcomes geographical barriers. The results of this research do not support this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the association of Medicaid coverage of abortion care with cumulative lifetime abortion incidence among women insured by Medicaid. Data Sources and Study Setting: We use 2016–2019 (Pre‐Dobbs) data from the Survey of Women studies that represent women aged 18–44 living in six U.S. states. One state, Maryland, has a Medicaid program that has long covered the cost of abortion care. The other five states, Alabama, Delaware, Iowa, Ohio, and South Carolina, have Medicaid programs that do not cover the cost of abortion care. Our sample includes 8972 women residing in the study states. Study Design: Our outcome, cumulative lifetime abortion incidence, is identified using an indirect survey method, the double list experiment. We use a multivariate regression of cumulative lifetime abortion on variables including whether women were Medicaid‐insured and whether they were residing in Maryland versus in one of the other five states. Data Collection/Extraction Methods: This study used secondary survey data. Principal Findings: We estimate that Medicaid coverage of abortion care in Maryland is associated with a 37.0 percentage‐point (95% CI: 12.3–61.4) higher cumulative lifetime abortion incidence among Medicaid‐insured women relative to women not insured by Medicaid compared with those differences by insurance status in states whose Medicaid programs do not cover the cost of abortion care. Conclusions: We found that Medicaid coverage of abortion care is associated with a much higher lifetime incidence of abortion among individuals insured by Medicaid. We infer that Medicaid coverage of abortion care costs may have a very large impact on the accessibility of abortion care for low‐income women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although eating disorders are associated with high rates of psychological and physical impairments and mortality, only about 20% of individuals with eating disorders receive treatment. No study has comprehensively assessed treatment access for those with these disorders in the United States. The authors examined access to eating disorder treatments and how it might vary among some populations. Methods: Seekers of treatment for eating disorders (N=1,995) completed an online assessment of clinical demographic and anthropometric characteristics, barriers to eating disorder treatment access, and eating disorder symptomatology. Analyses were conducted to identify treatment access barriers, compare barriers to treatment access across demographic groups, and investigate relationships between barriers to treatment access and eating disorder symptoms. Results: Financial barriers (e.g., lack of insurance coverage) were the most frequently reported barrier to treatment access. Participants with historically underrepresented identities and with a diagnosis of other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) reported more barriers related to financial challenges, geographic location, eating disorder identification, sociocultural factors, and treatment quality compared with those with historically represented identities (e.g., White and cisgender persons). Higher frequencies of reported barriers to treatment access were associated with more severe eating disorder symptoms and poorer illness trajectories. Conclusions: Financial barriers were the most significant impediment to accessing treatment among individuals seeking eating disorder treatment. Barriers to treatment access disproportionally affected underrepresented groups and those with an OSFED diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the impact of race and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 on disease presentation and overall survival for patients with well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Study Design: Cross‐sectional study of patients (n = 51,078) who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy with or without postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) for well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma between 2004 and 2018 in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods: Cumulative survival (CS) was assessed with Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. Results: There were significant disparities in disease presentation at the time of diagnosis, with Black, Asian/Pacific Islander (API), and Hispanic patients were more likely to have metastatic disease (p < 0.001) and higher TNM stage (p < 0.001) at the time of diagnosis compared to White patients. Black patients had significantly increased risk of death (HR 1.147, 95%CI 1.021–1.289) but API patients had improved CS (HR 0.730, 95% CI 0.608–0.877) compared to White patients. Passage of the ACA was associated with lower risk of mortality, regardless of whether patients lived in states that did not expand Medicaid (HR 0.866, 95% CI 0.823–0.910) or whether they lived in expansion states (HR 0.818, 95% CI 0.758–0.884). Conclusion: Racial disparities significantly impact thyroid carcinoma diagnosis and treatment in the United States but have improved over time. Both expansion and non‐expansion states had improved survival outcomes over time, and suggesting analysis of the ACA's long‐term impact and ability to address health inequities is still warranted. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:4421–4430, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Despite increased awareness of persistent healthcare disparities, integrating health equity education into medical residency curricula needs urgent expansion. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandates addressing healthcare disparities and social determinants of health, but implementation remains insufficient due to pervasive barriers. Objective To explore residency faculty perspectives at one institution surrounding implementing a health equity curriculum within their programs. Methods Between November 2022 and April 2023, qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with residency faculty participants (n = 13) from a large academic medical institution. Participants were recruited via an internal email list directory of program directors. Semi-structured sessions explored faculty perspectives on health equity curriculum implementation. Data analysis utilized template analysis and thematic coding. Results Faculty perceived barriers included limited time for teaching health equity, challenges in prioritizing health equity content within the curriculum, lack of formal training and expertise, discomfort in leading discussions, and institutional barriers such as resource allocation and lack of buy-in. Conclusions Findings underscored the need for institutionally supported faculty development and protected learning time for health equity education. Despite participant recruitment and representation limitations, the study provides valuable insights for addressing curricular challenges. This study highlights critical areas for improving health equity curriculum implementation in graduate medical education. Addressing these faculty barriers can enhance resident competency in identifying and addressing healthcare disparities. Trial registration The study received approval from the Thomas Jefferson Institutional Review Board (IRB #22E.762).

OBJECTIVE: To use evidence on addressing racism in social care intervention research to create a framework for advancing health equity for all populations with marginalized social identities (e.g., race, gender, and sexual orientation). Such groups have disproportionate social needs (e.g., food insecurity) and negative social determinants of health (SDOH; e.g., poverty). We recommend how the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) could advance health equity for marginalized populations through social care research and care delivery. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING: This commentary is informed by a literature review of social care interventions that were affiliated with healthcare systems; input from health equity researchers, policymakers, and community leaders attending the AHRQ Health Equity Summit; and consensus of the authors. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We recommend that AHRQ: (1) create an ecosystem that values research on SDOH and the effectiveness and implementation of social care interventions in the healthcare sector; (2) work with other federal agencies to (a) develop position statements with actionable recommendations about racism and other systems that perpetuate marginalization based on social identity and (b) develop aligned, complementary approaches to research and care delivery that address social marginalization; (3) advance both inclusive care delivery and inclusive research teams; (4) advance understanding of racism as a social determinant of health and effective strategies to mitigate its adverse impact on health; (5) advance the creation and scaling of effective strategies for addressing SDOH in healthcare systems, particularly in co-creation with community partners; and (6) require social care intervention researchers to use methods that advance our understanding of social health equity. CONCLUSIONS: AHRQ, as a federal agency, could help advance health equity using a range of strategies, including using the agencys levers to ensure AHRQ stakeholders examine and address the unique experiences of socially marginalized populations in SDOH and social care intervention research.

Historically, humeral shaft fractures have been managed nonoperatively in a functional brace. However, recent studies suggest an increase in rates of operative fixation. Disparities in surgical management based on insurance status have been demonstrated across many orthopedic conditions. This study aimed to identify if a correlation exists between insurance coverage and the probability of undergoing operative fixation for a humeral shaft fracture. A retrospective examination of the National Readmissions Database from 2016 to 2021 was conducted. Patients diagnosed with isolated closed humeral shaft fractures were identified via International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision codes, and surgical interventions were identified using International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision procedural codes. Utilizing weighted data, a total of 56,468 patients with isolated closed humeral shaft fractures were identified, 25,075 (44.4%) of whom underwent operative fixation. A univariate analysis was conducted using Pearson's chi-square test to isolate variables for inclusion in a multivariable analysis. A binary logistic regression analysis was then employed to explore demographic and other pertinent factors. Findings were reported as odds ratios. After controlling for social and demographic variables, patients with Medicaid (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.50-0.58; P <.001), Medicare (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.60-0.68; P <.001), and self-pay patients (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67-0.84; P <.001) were less likely to undergo operative fixation of humeral shaft fracture than those with private insurance. Patients without private insurance or those with no insurance coverage are less likely to undergo operative fixation for humeral shaft fractures compared to those with private insurance, even after adjusting for social and demographic variables. The observed variability underscores the necessity for more refined treatment guidelines for humeral shaft fractures. Surgeons should be aware of these potential biases affecting management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction In the United States (US), racial and socioeconomic disparities have been implicated in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions and outcomes, with higher rates of critical illness in more deprived areas. The degree to which this persists despite insurance coverage is unknown. We investigated whether disparities exist in PICU admission and mortality according to socioeconomic position and race in children receiving Medicaid. Methods Using Medicaid data from 2007–2014 from 23 US states, we tested the association between area level deprivation and race on PICU admission (among hospitalized children) and mortality (among PICU admissions). Race was categorized as Black, White, other and missing. Patient-level ZIP Code was used to generate a multicomponent variable describing area-level social vulnerability index (SVI). Race and SVI were simultaneously tested for associations with PICU admission and mortality. Results The cohort contained 8,914,347 children (23·0% Black). There was no clear trend in odds of PICU admission by SVI; however, children residing in the most vulnerable quartile had increased PICU mortality (aOR 1·12 (95%CI 1·04–1·20; p = 0·0021). Black children had higher odds of PICU admission (aOR 1·04; 95% CI 1·03–1·05; p

Abstract Background Recent research highlighting a shortage of pediatric subspecialists in the United States has shown wide variations in the distance from children to the nearest subspecialists but has not accounted for subspecialty outreach clinics, in which specialists may improve access in rural areas by periodically staffing clinics there. This study aimed to determine the impact of pediatric subspecialty outreach clinics on the driving times to the nearest pediatric subspecialists for children in Maine. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized administrative data on the schedule and location of pediatric subspecialty clinics in Maine in 2022 to estimate the driving time from each ZIP-code tabulation area to the nearest subspecialist, with and without the inclusion of outreach clinics. Using 2020 census data, we calculated the median and interquartile ranges of driving times for the state’s overall child population, as well as for children living in urban and rural areas. Results Of 207,409 individuals under 20 years old in Maine, 68% were located closer to an outreach location than to a clinical hub. Across the seven subspecialties offering outreach clinics, outreach clinics decreased median driving times to the nearest pediatric subspecialist by 5 to 26 minutes among all children, and by 16 to 46 minutes among rural children. Conclusions Pediatric subspecialty outreach clinics can substantially reduce the driving time to the nearest pediatric subspecialist , especially for children living in rural areas. The use of outreach clinics should be accounted for in research describing the geographic access or barriers to care. Expanding the number of outreach clinics should be considered by policymakers hoping to improve access.

Objective: Asian Americans include heterogeneous subpopulations with unique burden as the only racial group with cancer as the leading cause of death. The purpose of the study was to identify differences in clinical stage and survival of patients with lung cancer between Asian Americans and its subgroups relative to other racial groups. Methods: Patients with lung cancer from 2016 National Cancer Database were divided into East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian subgroups based on geographic origins, and a composite Asian American group with White non-Hispanic, Black, and Hispanic comparison groups. Columnar z score analysis with adjusted residuals was employed and the terms underrepresented and overrepresented were utilized to describe significant statistical findings. Results: A total of 825,448 patients were analyzed. Asian Americans were underrepresented relative to White non-Hispanics in all clinical stages except IIIB and IV. In clinical stage IV, Asian Americans (51.0%), East Asians (47.2%), Southeast Asians (57.4%), and South Asians (52.2%) were overrepresented relative to White non-Hispanics (42.2%) and Southeast Asians were overrepresented relative to East Asians and South Asians. For survival across all stages, Asian Americans were overrepresented relative to White non-Hispanics and Blacks, but in clinical stage IV, Southeast Asians (17.9%) were underrepresented relative to East Asians (26.0%) and South Asians (26.6%). Conclusions: This is the first study to address lung cancer disparity in Asian American subgroups employing a novel analytical approach. Asian American subgroups demonstrated more advanced lung cancer diagnosis yet higher survival compared with White non-Hispanics, Blacks, and/or Hispanics with differences between subgroups. Interplay of complex factors may contribute to Asian American health disparities.

Black youth and rural adolescents are two groups who experience asthma disparities. Racism and discrimination in health care likely lead to group-based (systems-level) medical mistrust for some adolescents. Group-based medical mistrust, one pathway by which racism drives health inequities, is associated with poorer outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. Despite its potential importance in adolescent asthma, previous research has not considered group-based medical mistrust in this population. To fill this gap, we characterize group-based medical mistrust among rural adolescents with poorly controlled asthma, examining demographic differences. We analyzed baseline data from a school-based clinical trial in which 164 adolescents (mean age = 16.3; 76.2% Black) completed the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS). Using linear regression, we tested associations with race, gender, and age, controlling for recent medical visits and insurance status. The total GBMMS mean score was 2.3 (SD = 1.22); subscale scores ranged from 2.3 to 2.4. Black adolescents reported significantly higher total GBMMS scores (β =.45, p =.003) and significantly higher scores on two GBMMS subscales: suspicion of health care providers (β =.56, p =.007) and lack of support from health care providers (β =.36, p =.007). Gender and age were not associated with GBMMS scores. Health care providers need to consider medical mistrust and its role in their clinical care. Together with their institutions, health care providers and researchers should work toward changing systems that perpetuate racism to build trust as a means of reducing asthma disparities among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or gender‐nonconforming (LGBTQ+) experience discrimination and minority stress that may lead to elevated cancer risk. Methods: In the absence of population‐based cancer occurrence information for this population, this article comprehensively examines contemporary, age‐adjusted cancer risk factor and screening prevalence using data from the National Health Interview Survey, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and National Youth Tobacco Survey, and provides a literature review of cancer incidence and barriers to care. Results: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults are more likely to smoke cigarettes than heterosexual adults (16% compared to 12% in 2021–2022), with the largest disparity among bisexual women. For example, 34% of bisexual women aged 40–49 years and 24% of those 50 and older smoke compared to 12% and 11%, respectively, of heterosexual women. Smoking is also elevated among youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (4%) or transgender (5%) compared to heterosexual or cisgender (1%). Excess body weight is elevated among lesbian and bisexual women (68% vs. 61% among heterosexual women), largely due to higher obesity prevalence among bisexual women (43% vs. 38% among lesbian women and 33% among heterosexual women). Bisexual women also have a higher prevalence of no leisure‐time physical activity (35% vs. 28% among heterosexual women), as do transgender individuals (30%–31% vs. 21%–25% among cisgender individuals). Heavier alcohol intake among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals is confined to bisexual women, with 14% consuming more than 7 drinks/week versus 6% of heterosexual women. In contrast, prevalence of cancer screening and risk reducing vaccinations in LGBTQ+ individuals is similar to or higher than their heterosexual/cisgender counterparts except for lower cervical and colorectal cancer screening among transgender men. Conclusions: People within the LGBTQ+ population have a higher prevalence of smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption compared to heterosexual and cisgender people, suggesting a higher cancer burden. Health systems have an opportunity to help inform these disparities through the routine collection of information on sexual orientation and gender identity to facilitate cancer surveillance and to mitigate them through education to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ health needs. Minority stress and health care discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender‐nonconforming (LGBTQ+) individuals can influence cancer occurrence and outcomes. The authors investigated prevalence and disparities in major cancer risk factors and screening by sexual orientation and gender identity and conducted a literature review describing health care challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities and opportunities for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have mandated that patients have open access to their medical records. Many institutions use online portals, which allow patients to access their health information and communicate with care teams. Our research aimed to evaluate demographic patterns for online patient portal utilization in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Further, we assessed if and how portal engagement contributes to perioperative outcomes. This study retrospectively reviewed primary and elective TKA from 2017 to 2022 at a single academic institution. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on their online portal status: activated (A) or not-activated (NA). Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were collected from the electronic medical record and compared. In total, 10,995 patients were included: 8,330 (75.8%) were A and 2,625 (24.2%) were NA. The NA group was significantly older (P <.001); more likely to be Black (P <.001), women (P <.001), single/divorced/widowed (P <.001), non-English speaking (P <.001), and Medicare or Medicaid insured (P <.001); from zip codes with median incomes below $50,000 (P <.001), and more likely to be American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV (P <.001). Patient-reported outcome measure completion rates were significantly lower in the NA group (15.3 versus 47.7%, P <.001). Lengths of stay (LOS) were significantly higher in the NA group (2.7 versus 2.1 days, P <.001). The NA group was significantly more likely to be discharged to skilled nursing facilities (P <.001). Comparable rates of 90-day emergency department visits, readmissions, as well as 90-day and 2-year revisions, were observed across groups. There are significant disparities in online portal activation status based on patient demographics. Patients who have A portals had significantly higher Patient-reported outcome measure completion rates, shorter LOS, and higher rates of home discharge. Further research should determine which other factors may affect patient portal utilization and inform interventions to improve portal utilization among minority populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the perspectives of cerebral palsy (CP) experts on access to healthcare and an analysis of socioeconomic and environmental determinants impacting young individuals with CP in Europe. Cross-sectional survey designed by a convenience multi-disciplinary panel of invited experts and completed by clinicians, researchers and opinions leaders in the field of CP. Fifty-eight experts (response rate 85 %) from 39 regions in 26 European countries completed the survey. All countries provide care and financing through public systems. Long waiting lists were reported (mean 3 mo, range 1–12 mo), depending on type of specialist care and place of residence. Although diagnostic and therapeutic services were available, access within countries/regions were unevenly distributed, with children receiving better care than adults. Most experts reported a lack of transition services, although improvement is expected (62 % of responses). Hip and malnutrition surveillance, as well as educational and recreational activities were variably available. Public transportation, accessible roads and pavements, and urban green spaces for persons with disabilities were more available in larger cities. Overall, only 57 % of responders felt that most patients had adequate access to healthcare. The survey of CP experts' perspectives from the majority of European countries indicates discrepancies in the availability and accessibility of healthcare needed by people with CP and nonuniform implementation of policies across Europe. [Display omitted] • Access to specialized CP healthcare services is perceived to be available in most European countries. • Comprehensive work up, early diagnosis and interventions appear to be widely available through Europe. • Long waiting lists and inadequate services in rural areas appear to limit accessibility. • Access to mental health and transition services is thought to remain poor. • Inadequate transportation services and specialized infrastructures are perceived as barriers to healthcare and participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socioeconomic status has been demonstrated to be an important prognostic risk factor among patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. We evaluated patients living near neighborhoods with higher socioeconomic risk undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and if they were associated with differences in the following: (1) medical complications; (2) emergency department (ED) utilizations; (3) readmissions; and (4) costs of care. A query of a national database from 2010 to 2020 was performed for primary TKAs. The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) is a weighted index comprised of 17 census-based markers of material deprivation and poverty. Higher numbers indicate a greater disadvantage. Patients undergoing TKA in zip codes associated with high ADI (90%+) were 1:1 propensity-matched to a comparison group by age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. This yielded 225,038 total patients, evenly matched between cohorts. Outcomes studied included complications, ED utilizations, readmission rates, and 90-day costs. Logistic regression models computed the odds ratios (OR) of ADI on the dependent variables. P values less than.003 were significant. High ADI led to higher rates and odds of any medical complications (11.7 versus 11.0%; OR: 1.05, P =.0006), respiratory failures (0.4 versus 0.3%; OR: 1.28, P =.001), and acute kidney injuries (1.7 versus 1.5%; OR: 1.15, P <.0001). Despite lower readmission rates (2.9 versus 3.5%), high ADI patients had greater 90-day ED visits (4.2 versus 4.0%; OR: 1.07, P =.0008). The 90-day expenditures ($15,066 versus $12,459; P <.0001) were higher in patients who have a high ADI. Socioeconomically disadvantaged patients have increased complications and ED utilizations. Neighborhood disadvantage may inform health care policy and improve postdischarge care. The socioeconomic status metrics, including ADI (which captures community effects), should be used to adequately risk-adjust or risk-stratify patients so that access to care for deprived regions and patients is not lost. III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As worldwide utilization of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) broadens, demographic trends can help make projections to inform access to care. This study aimed to assess the temporal trends in the socioeconomic and medical demographics of patients undergoing TKA. A retrospective review of 15,848 patients who underwent primary, elective TKA at an urban, New York City-based academic medical center between January 2013 and September 2022 was performed. Trends in patients' age, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status (SES) (based on median income by patients' ZIP code), race, and Charlson comorbidity index were evaluated using the Mann-Kendall test. In the last decade, mean patient age (65 to 68 years, P <.001) and Charlson comorbidity index (1.4 to 2.3, P <.001) increased significantly. The proportion of patients who had a BMI ≥ 30 and < 40 increased (43.8 to 51.2%, P =.002), while the proportion of patients who had a BMI ≥ 40 (13.7 to 12.1%, P =.015) and BMI < 30 (42.5 to 36.8%, P =.020) decreased. The distribution of patients' race and SES did not change from 2013 to 2022; Black (18.1 to 16.8%, P =.211) and low SES (12.9 to 11.3%, P =.283) patients consistently represented a minority of TKA patients. Over the last decade, the average age and comorbidity burden of TKA patients at our institution have increased. This portends the need for higher levels of preoperative optimization and postoperative management for TKA patients. A decreased prevalence of BMI ≥40 could reflect optimization efforts. However, the consistently low prevalence of Black and low-SES patients suggests that recent payment models did not improve access to care for these populations. IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine if adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with differential complication rates following surgical fixation of distal radius fractures and assess which SDOH domain (economic, educational, social, health care, or environmental) is most associated with postoperative complications. Using a national administrative claims database, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing open treatment for an isolated distal radius fracture between 2010 and 2020. Patients were stratified based on the presence/absence of at least one SDOH code and propensity score matched to create two cohorts balanced by age, sex (male or female), insurance type, and comorbidities. Social determinants of health examined included economic, educational, social, health care, and environmental factors. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the isolated effect of SDOH on 90-day and 1-year complication rates. After propensity matching, 57,025 patients in the adverse SDOH cohort and 57,025 patients in the control cohort were included. Patients facing an adverse SDOH were significantly more likely to experience 90-day complications, including emergency department visits (Odds ratio (OR): 3.18 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.07–3.29]), infection (OR: 2.37 [95% CI: 2.12–2.66]), wound dehiscence (OR: 2.06 [95% CI: 1.72–2.49]), and 1-year complications, including complex regional pain syndrome (OR: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.15–1.58]), malunion/nonunion (OR: 1.18 [95% CI: 1.08–1.29]), and hardware removal (OR: 1.13 [95% CI: 1.07–1.20]). Additionally, patients facing an adverse SDOH had a significantly increased risk of 90-day complications, regardless of fracture severity, and patients with economic and social challenges had the highest odds of both 90-day and 1-year postoperative complications. Social determinants of health are associated with increased complications following distal radius fracture fixation, even when controlling for demographic and clinical factors. We recommend routine screening for adverse SDOH and inclusion of SDOH data into health records to not only inform quality improvement initiatives and risk adjustment for outcome-based quality measurements but also to allow providers to begin to discuss and address such barriers during the perioperative period. Prognosis II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the United States (US), racial and socioeconomic disparities have been implicated in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions and outcomes, with higher rates of critical illness in more deprived areas. The degree to which this persists despite insurance coverage is unknown. We investigated whether disparities exist in PICU admission and mortality according to socioeconomic position and race in children receiving Medicaid. Methods: Using Medicaid data from 2007–2014 from 23 US states, we tested the association between area level deprivation and race on PICU admission (among hospitalized children) and mortality (among PICU admissions). Race was categorized as Black, White, other and missing. Patient-level ZIP Code was used to generate a multicomponent variable describing area-level social vulnerability index (SVI). Race and SVI were simultaneously tested for associations with PICU admission and mortality. Results: The cohort contained 8,914,347 children (23·0% Black). There was no clear trend in odds of PICU admission by SVI; however, children residing in the most vulnerable quartile had increased PICU mortality (aOR 1·12 (95%CI 1·04–1·20; p = 0·0021). Black children had higher odds of PICU admission (aOR 1·04; 95% CI 1·03–1·05; p < 0·0001) and higher mortality (aOR 1·09; 95% CI 1·02–1·16; p = 0·0109) relative to White children. Substantial state-level variation was apparent, with the odds of mortality in Black children varying from 0·62 to 1·8. Conclusion: In a Medicaid cohort from 2007–2014, children with greater socioeconomic vulnerability had increased odds of PICU mortality. Black children were at increased risk of PICU admission and mortality, with substantial state-level variation. Our work highlights the persistence of sociodemographic disparities in outcomes even among insured children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This work describes the process by which the quality of electronic health care data for a public health study was determined. The objectives were to adapt, develop, and implement data quality assessments (DQAs) based on the National Institutes of Health Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory (NIHPTC) data quality framework within the three domains of completeness, accuracy, and consistency, for an investigation into oral health care disparities of a preventive care program. Methods: Electronic health record data for eligible children in a dental accountable care organization of 30 offices, in Oregon, were extracted iteratively from January 1, 2014, through March 31, 2022. Baseline eligibility criteria included: children ages 0–18 with a baseline examination, Oregon home address, and either Medicaid or commercial dental benefits at least once between 2014 and 2108. Using the NIHPTC framework as a guide, DQAs were conducted throughout data element identification, extraction, staging, profiling, review, and documentation. Results: The data set included 91,487 subjects, 11 data tables comprising 75 data variables (columns), with a total of 6,861,525 data elements. Data completeness was 97.2%, the accuracy of EHR data elements in extracts was 100%, and consistency between offices was strong; 29 of 30 offices within 2 standard deviations of the mean (s = 94%). Conclusions: The NIHPTC framework proved to be a useful approach, to identify, document, and characterize the dataset. The concepts of completeness, accuracy, and consistency were adapted by the multidisciplinary research team and the overall quality of the data are demonstrated to be of high quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess perioperative and readmission outcomes of patients undergoing head and neck cancer (HNCA) surgery at safety‐net hospitals (SNHs) in a modern cohort. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD), 2010 to 2019. Methods: All elective adult (≥18 years) admissions involving HNCA resection were identified from the NRD. To calculate safety‐net burden, the proportion of Medicaid or uninsured patients admitted to each hospital for any indication was tabulated annually, with centers in the highest quartile defined as SNHs. To perform risk adjustment in assessing perioperative and readmission outcomes, multivariable regression models were developed. Results: Of an estimated 133,018 head and neck surgical patients, 26.5% (n = 35,268) received treatment at a SNH. Utilization of SNHs increased over the decade‐long study period, with 29.8% of individuals treated at these sites in 2019. After multivariable adjustment, several patient factors were noted to be associated with SNHs, including younger age, lower comorbidity burden, and income within the lowest quartile. Although incidence of adverse events decreased at both SNHs and non‐SNHs during the study period, treatment at SNHs remained associated with these events after risk adjustment (adjusted odds ratio: 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.08‐1.28, P <.001). Conclusion: SNHs continue to provide valuable specialty care to underserved populations, often with limited financial resources. Despite promising results from prior decades demonstrating comparable perioperative outcomes, the present study noted increased adverse events following HNCA surgery at these sites. Such findings underscore the need for continued advocacy to secure necessary funding for these centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer disproportionately affects Black men in the United States, leading to higher mortality rates and health disparities. In addition, based on historical mistreatment and discrimination and the resulting distrust of the medical system, Black populations are consistently underrepresented in health care-related research. Addressing these challenges requires community-driven approaches integrating diverse perspectives and fostering equitable health outcomes. This article describes the formation and impact of The Multidisciplinary Health Outcomes Research and Economics (MORE) Lab Community Advisory Board (CAB) at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences. We purposefully recruited Black men with CaP and Black health care professionals to serve on a CAB and advise on ongoing research to address quality of life (QoL) issues in ethnically diverse Black CaP survivors. The CAB seeks to mitigate CaP disparities and improve health equity by empowering Black voices and promoting collaborative research practices. The MORE Lab CAB has successfully provided a venue for community members to contribute to designing a culturally relevant research program to improve the QoL in ethnically diverse Black men with CaP. The CAB has been instrumental in developing research goals and tools, implementing a series of town hall meetings to educate and support Black CaP survivors, and disseminating research findings. In conclusion, CABs are potentially critical in guiding research, enhancing community engagement, and advocating for culturally responsive health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent research highlighting a shortage of pediatric subspecialists in the United States has shown wide variations in the distance from children to the nearest subspecialists but has not accounted for subspecialty outreach clinics, in which specialists may improve access in rural areas by periodically staffing clinics there. This study aimed to determine the impact of pediatric subspecialty outreach clinics on the driving times to the nearest pediatric subspecialists for children in Maine. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized administrative data on the schedule and location of pediatric subspecialty clinics in Maine in 2022 to estimate the driving time from each ZIP-code tabulation area to the nearest subspecialist, with and without the inclusion of outreach clinics. Using 2020 census data, we calculated the median and interquartile ranges of driving times for the state's overall child population, as well as for children living in urban and rural areas. Results: Of 207,409 individuals under 20 years old in Maine, 68% were located closer to an outreach location than to a clinical hub. Across the seven subspecialties offering outreach clinics, outreach clinics decreased median driving times to the nearest pediatric subspecialist by 5 to 26 minutes among all children, and by 16 to 46 minutes among rural children. Conclusions: Pediatric subspecialty outreach clinics can substantially reduce the driving time to the nearest pediatric subspecialist , especially for children living in rural areas. The use of outreach clinics should be accounted for in research describing the geographic access or barriers to care. Expanding the number of outreach clinics should be considered by policymakers hoping to improve access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested the hypothesis that children in New York City (NYC) with an immigrant parent were more likely to lack health insurance and report poorer parent-rated health compared to those of US-born parents in this serial, cross-sectional study using existing data from 2009 to 2017 among children age < 12 years in two NYC health surveys. Main outcomes were parent-reported responses for (1) child insurance coverage and (2) child general health status. In multivariable logistic regression models, we estimated likelihood of outcomes for children of immigrants compared to those of US-born parents, adjusting for child, parent, and household characteristics. We included 2,637 children in 2009 and 7,042 in 2017 in NYC. In 2017, children of immigrant parents were more likely to experience uninsurance than children of US-born parents [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.36 (95% CI: 1.05–5.31)]. Compared to children of US-born parents, children with an immigrant parent were more likely to have a gap in insurance coverage in both 2009 (AOR 1.88; 95% CI: 1.08–3.27) and 2017 (AOR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.06–2.41). Although more children of immigrants had poor/fair health than those of US-born parents in both years, differences were not statistically significant after adjusting for covariates. Our findings among a sample of children eligible for health insurance suggest policies intended to expand child health care access did not equitably reach children of immigrants despite their eligibility for health insurance. Tailored interventions for children of immigrants are needed to mitigate disparities in health insurance coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have found that unintended pregnancy rates are higher among racial minorities and active duty servicewomen (ADSW), correlating with lower rates of effective contraceptive use. The Military Health System (MHS) provides universal health care benefit coverage for all ADSW, including access to all highly effective contraceptive (HEC) methods. This study investigated the association between race and HEC use among ADSW. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using fiscal year 2016–2019 data from the MHS Data Repository for all ADSW ages 18–45 years. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression models, adjusted and unadjusted, determining the odds of HEC use, overall and by method. Results: Of the 729,722 ADSW included in the study, 59.7% used at least one HEC during the study period. The highest proportions of users were aged 20–24 years, White, single, Junior Enlisted, and serving in the Army. Lower odds of HEC use were demonstrated in Black (odds ratio [OR] = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92–0.95), American Indian/Alaska Native (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.82–0.89), Asian/Pacific Islander (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.80–0.83), and Other (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94–0.99) ADSW compared with White ADSW. Conclusions: Universal coverage of this optional preventive service did not guarantee its use. The MHS can serve as a model for monitoring racial disparities in HEC use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annual trends of lower extremity amputation due to end-stage chronic disease are on the rise in the United States. These amputations are leading to massive expenses for patients and the medical system. In Oklahoma, we have a high-risk population because access to care is low, the number of uninsured is high, cardiovascular health is poor, and our overall health care performance is ranked 50th in the country. But we know little about Oklahomans and their risk of limb loss. It is, therefore, imperative to look closely at this population to discover contemporary rates, trends, and state-specific risk factors for amputation due to diabetes and/or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We hypothesize that state-specific groups will be identified as having the highest risk for limb loss and that contemporary trends in amputations are rising. To create implementable solutions to limb preservation, a baseline must be set. We conducted a 12-consecutive-year observational study using Oklahoma's hospital discharge data. Discharges among patients 20 years or older with a primary or secondary diagnosis of diabetes and/or PAD were included. Diagnoses and amputation procedures were identified using International Classification of Disease-9 and -10 codes. Amputation rates were calculated per 1000 discharges. Trends in amputation rates were measured by annual percentage changes (APC). Prevalence ratios evaluated the differences in amputation rates across demographic groups. Over 5,000,000 discharges were identified from 2008 to 2019. Twenty-four percent had a diagnosis of diabetes and/or PAD. The overall amputation rate was 12 per 1000 discharges for those with diabetes and/or PAD. Diabetes and/or PAD-related amputation rates increased from 8.1 to 16.2 (APC, 6.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7-7.3). Most amputations were minor (59.5%), and although minor, increased at a faster rate compared with major amputations (minor amputation APC, 8.1; 95% CI, 6.7-9.6 vs major amputation APC, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.5-4.7); major amputations were notable in that they were significantly increasing. Amputation rates were the highest among males (16.7), American Indians (19.2), uninsured (21.2), non-married patients (12.7), and patients between 45 and 49 years of age (18.8), and calculated prevalence ratios for each were significant (P =.001) when compared within their respective category. Amputation rates in Oklahoma have nearly doubled in 12 years, with both major and minor amputations significantly increasing. This study describes a worsening trend, underscoring that amputations due to chronic disease is an urgent statewide health care problem. We also present imperative examples of amputation health care disparities. By defining these state-specific areas and populations at risk, we have identified areas to pursue and improve care. These distinctive risk factors will help to frame a statewide limb preservation intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report from the field provides an overview of Ophthalmology Nights at the Free Clinic at Lubbock Impact, highlighting its challenges and its usefulness in combating disparities in visual care accessibility for our high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unintended pregnancies, which occur in almost half (45%) of all pregnancies in the United States, are associated with adverse health and social outcomes for the infant and the mother. The risk of unintended pregnancies is significantly reduced when women use long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), namely intrauterine devices and implants. Although LARCs are highly acceptable to women at risk of unintended pregnancies, barriers to accessing LARCs hinder its uptake. These barriers are greater among racial and socioeconomic lines and persist within and across the intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and policy levels. A synthesis of these barriers is unavailable in the current literature but would be beneficial to health care providers of reproductive-aged women, clinical managers, and policymakers seeking to provide equitable reproductive health care services. The aim of this narrative review was to aggregate these complex and overlapping barriers into a concise document that examines: (a) patient, provider, clinic, and policy factors associated with LARC access among populations at risk of unintended pregnancy and (b) the clinical implications of mitigating these barriers to provide equitable reproductive health care services. This review outlines numerous barriers to LARC uptake across multiple levels and demonstrates that LARC uptake is possible when the woman is informed of her contraceptive choices and when financial and clinical barriers are minimized. Equitable reproductive health care services entail unbiased counseling, a full range of contraceptive options, and patient autonomy in contraceptive choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of access to the American health care system seems destined to reappear in the 2024 presidential election. The political and economic debates regarding single-payer systems providing (near) universal health care are well documented. Supporters of the status quo, knowingly or unknowingly, rest their argument on the basic assumptions of utilitarianism. In response patrons investigating inequalities in access to the American health care system can turn to biblical, philosophical, and theological reflections on justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite effective vaccines against influenza, pneumococcus, and COVID-19, uptake has been suboptimal. Although disparities in vaccination by race and ethnicity have been observed, what is the role of other sociodemographic factors in US vaccine uptake? We conducted a population-based study using the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP), a comprehensive medical records linkage system, to assess effects of sociodemographic factors including race, ethnicity, individual-level socioeconomic status (SES) via the housing-based socioeconomic status index, education, population density (urban or nonurban), and marital status with uptake of influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccination in high-risk adults. Adults at high risk of invasive pneumococcal disease residing in four counties in southeastern Minnesota who were aged 19 to 64 years were identified. Vaccination data were obtained from the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection and REP from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2021. We identified 45,755 residents. Most were White (82%), non-Hispanic (94%), married (56%), and living in an urban setting (81%), with three-quarters obtaining at least some college education (74%). Although 45.1% were up to date on pneumococcal vaccines, 60.1% had completed the primary COVID-19 series. For influenza and COVID-19, higher SES, living in an urban setting, older age, and higher education positively correlated with vaccination. Magnitude of differences in race, education, and SES widened with booster vaccines. This high-risk population is undervaccinated against preventable respiratory diseases, especially influenza and pneumococcus. Although national data reported improvement of disparities in COVID-19 vaccination uptake observed early in the pandemic, our data demonstrated gaps related to race, education level, SES, and age that widened with booster vaccines. Communities with high social vulnerabilities often show increased risk of severe disease outcomes, yet demonstrate lower uptake of preventive services. This highlights the need to understand better vaccine compliance and access in rural, lower SES, less-educated, Black, Hispanic, and younger populations, each of which were associated independently with decreased vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time is fundamental to organizing all aspects of human life. When invested in relationships, it has a psychological meaning as it indicates how much individuals value others and their interest in maintaining social relationships. Previous research has identified an intergroup time bias (ITB) in racialized social relations, defined as a discriminatory behavior in which White individuals invest more time in evaluating White than Black individuals. This research proposes an aversive racism explanation for the ITB effect and examines its consequences in the medical context. In four experimental studies (N = 434), we found that White medical trainees invested more time in forming impressions of White (vs. Black) male patients. Study 5 (N = 193) further revealed more time investment in diagnosing, assessing pain, and prescribing opioids for White than Black male patients. This biased time effect mediated the impact of patients' skin color on health care outcomes, leading to greater diagnostic accuracy and pain perception, and lower opioid prescriptions. A meta-analytical integration of the results (Study 6) confirmed the ITB effect reliability across experiments and that it is stronger in participants with an aversive racist profile (vs. consistently prejudiced or nonprejudiced). These findings provide the first evidence that bias in time investment favoring White (vs. Black) patients is associated with aversive racism and impacts medical health care outcomes. Furthermore, these results offer insights into the sociopsychological meaning of time investment in health care and provide a theoretical explanation for an understudied insidious form of discrimination that is critical to comprehending the persistency of racial health care disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate whether racial, ethnic, and linguistic disparities exist at discharge from an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) by examining change in Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores and discharge destination. This is a retrospective study using our IRF's data from the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation from 2013-2019. FIM scores and discharge destination were compared between race, language, and ethnic groups, with adjustment for patient characteristics. An urban hospital with a level 1 trauma center, comprehensive stroke center, and IRF with Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) certification. 2518 patients admitted to the IRF from 2013-2019 (N=2518). Not applicable. Change in FIM score and discharge destination. After adjusting for covariates, non-White patients and patients with limited English proficiency had significantly lower functional recovery, as measured by smaller changes in FIM scores from IRF admission to discharge. Additionally, both groups were more likely to be discharged home with home health care than to a skilled nursing facility, compared with White and English-speaking patients. Disparities in discharge destination persisted within patients with noncommercial insurance (Medicaid or Medicare) and a stroke diagnosis but not within those who had commercial insurance or a nonstroke diagnosis. Racial and linguistic disparities were identified within our CARF certified IRF; however, the organization is committed to reducing health care disparities. Next steps will include investigating interventions to reduce disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundNational Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline adherence improves cancer outcomes. In rectal cancer, guideline adherence is distributed differently by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and insurance.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the independent effects of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and insurance status on rectal cancer survival after accounting for differences in guideline adherence.DesignThis was a retrospective study.SettingsThe study was conducted using the California Cancer Registry.PatientsThis study included patients aged 18 to 79 years diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2017, with follow-up through November 30, 2018. Investigators determined whether patients received guideline-adherent care.Main outcome measuresORs and 95% CIs were used for logistic regression to analyze patients receiving guideline-adherent care. Disease-specific survival analysis was calculated using Cox regression models.ResultsA total of 30,118 patients were examined. Factors associated with higher odds of guideline adherence included Asian and Hispanic race/ethnicity, managed care insurance, and high socioeconomic status. Asians (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.88; p < 0.001) and Hispanics (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-0.99; p = 0.0279) had better disease-specific survival in the nonadherent group. Race/ethnicity were not factors associated with disease-specific survival in the guideline adherent group. Medicaid disease-specific survival was worse in both the nonadherent group (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.40-1.73; p < 0.0001) and the guideline-adherent group (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08-1.30; p = 0.0005). Disease-specific survival of the lowest socioeconomic status was worse in both the nonadherent group (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.27-1.59) and the guideline-adherent group (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.08-1.34).LimitationsLimitations included unmeasured confounders and the retrospective nature of the review.ConclusionsRace, socioeconomic status, and insurance are associated with guideline adherence in rectal cancer. Race/ethnicity was not associated with differences in disease-specific survival in the guideline-adherent group. Medicaid and lowest socioeconomic status had worse disease-specific survival in both the guideline nonadherent group and the guideline-adherent group. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B954 .Efectos diferenciales de la raza, el nivel socioeconmico cobertura sobre la supervivencia especfica de la enfermedad en el cncer de rectoANTECEDENTES: El cumplimiento de las guías de la National Comprehensive Cancer Network mejora los resultados del cáncer. En el cáncer de recto, el cumplimiento de las guías se distribuye de manera diferente según la raza/origen étnico, nivel socioeconómico y el cobertura médica.OBJETIVO: Determinar los efectos independientes de la raza/origen étnico, el nivel socioeconómico y el estado de cobertura médica en la supervivencia del cáncer de recto después de tener en cuenta las diferencias en el cumplimiento de las guías.DISEÑO: Este fue un estudio retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLINICO: El estudio se realizó utilizando el Registro de Cáncer de California.PACIENTES: Pacientes de 18 a 79 años diagnosticados con adenocarcinoma rectal entre el 1 de enero de 2004 y el 31 de diciembre de 2017 con seguimiento hasta el 30 de noviembre de 2018. Los investigadores determinaron si los pacientes recibieron atención siguiendo las guías.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: Se utilizaron razones de probabilidad e intervalos de confianza del 95 % para la regresión logística para analizar a los pacientes que recibían atención con adherencia a las guías. El análisis de supervivencia específico de la enfermedad se calculó utilizando modelos de regresión de Cox.RESULTADOS: Se analizaron un total de 30.118 pacientes. Los factores asociados con mayores probabilidades de cumplimiento de las guías incluyeron raza/etnicidad asiática e hispana, seguro de atención administrada y nivel socioeconómico alto. Los asiáticos e hispanos tuvieron una mejor supervivencia específica de la enfermedad en el grupo no adherente HR 0,80 (95 % CI 0,72 - 0,88, p < 0,001) y HR 0,91 (95 % CI 0,83 - 0,99, p = 0,0279). La raza o el origen étnico no fueron factores asociados con la supervivencia específica de la enfermedad en el grupo que cumplió con las guías. La supervivencia específica de la enfermedad de Medicaid fue peor tanto en el grupo no adherente HR 1,56 (IC del 95 % 1,40 - 1,73, p < 0,0001) como en el grupo adherente a las guías HR 1,18 (IC del 95 % 1,08 - 1,30, p = 0,0005). La supervivencia específica de la enfermedad del nivel socioeconómico más bajo fue peor tanto en el grupo no adherente HR 1,42 (IC del 95 %: 1,27 a 1,59) como en el grupo adherente a las guías HR 1,20 (IC del 95 %: 1,08 a 1,34).LIMITACIONES: Las limitaciones incluyeron factores de confusión no medidos y la naturaleza retrospectiva de la revisión.CONCLUSIONES: La raza, el nivel socioeconómico y cobertura médica están asociados con la adherencia a las guías en el cáncer de recto. La raza/etnicidad no se asoció con diferencias en la supervivencia específica de la enfermedad en el grupo que cumplió con las guías. Medicaid y el nivel socioeconómico más bajo tuvieron peor supervivencia específica de la enfermedad tanto en el grupo que no cumplió con las guías como en los grupos que cumplieron. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B954 . (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon).

Introduction: There has been a global rise in land-surface air temperature by 1.53 °C which can pose a threat to agricultural yields, undermine food security, and exacerbate malnutrition. In India, modern agricultural systems heavily rely on cereal crops which are susceptible to climate-induced stressors, leading to potential yield losses; whereas millets, resilient to stress and nutritionally rich, offer a sustainable alternative. Case presentation: Odisha's vulnerability to natural calamities like droughts, floods, and cyclones has significantly impacted crop production, particularly rice, prompting the reintroduction of millets. The Odisha Millets Mission (OMM), was launched to promote millets in tribal areas, revitalize traditional farming practices, increasing millet cultivation, yield rates, and gross value per household. Millets offer health benefits, environmental advantages, and potential solutions to combat malnutrition and climate change. Discussion: Integrating millets into public diets and food security programs can enhance nutritional resilience and foster sustainable food systems nationwide. The success of OMM underscores the potential for replicating similar initiatives across India, thereby elevating livelihoods, nutritional well-being, and climate resilience among vulnerable populations. Conclusion: The success of OMM highlights the potential for similar initiatives worldwide, benefiting livelihoods, nutrition, and climate resilience among vulnerable populations. Future research can prioritize enhancing millet productivity and profitability through improved varieties, enhanced agronomic practices, and modern technology adoption.

Background Immigrants are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease burden. Heart health screenings, including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and blood cholesterol screenings, can help identify cardiovascular disease risk. Evidence on heart health screenings among diverse immigrant groups is still limited. This study examined the disparities in heart health screenings among the immigrant population compared with US‐born White adults. Methods and Results A cross‐sectional design was used to analyze data from the 2011 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey. Generalized linear models with Poisson distribution were applied to compare the prevalence of annual blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and blood cholesterol screenings among Latino, Black, and Asian immigrants and US‐born White adults. The analysis included 145 149 adults (83.60% US‐born White adults, 9.55% Latino immigrants, 1.89% Black immigrants, and 4.96% Asian immigrants), with a mean age of 50 years and 53.62% women. Latino (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.92 [95% CI, 0.91–0.93]) and Asian (aOR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.92–0.94]) immigrants were less likely to have blood pressure screening than US‐born White adults. Latino (aOR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.19–1.25]), Black (aOR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.09–1.21]), and Asian (aOR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08–1.15]) immigrants were more likely to have fasting blood glucose screening, and Latino (aOR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.09–1.13]), Black or (aOR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.09–1.16]), and Asian (aOR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.04–1.07]) immigrants were more likely to have blood cholesterol screening than US‐born White adults. Conclusions Latino and Asian immigrants have lower odds of annual blood pressure screenings than US‐born White adults. More studies exploring facilitators and barriers to the accessibility and use of heart health screenings are needed.

Background Prior analyses of the relationship between insurance status and receipt of tests and procedures have yielded conflicting findings and have focused on outpatient care. We sought to characterize the relationship between primary payer and diagnostic and procedural intensity, comparing rates of cardiac tests and procedures in matched hospitalized Medicaid and commercially insured patients. Methods and Results We created a propensity score–matched sample of Medicaid and commercially insured adults hospitalized at all acute care hospitals in Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina from 2016 to 2018. The main outcome was receipt of a cardiac test or procedure: echocardiogram, stress test, cardiac catheterization (elective, in acute coronary syndrome, in ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction), and pacemaker and subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor implantation. Generalized linear models with a hospital‐specific indicator variable were estimated to calculate the adjusted odds of a commercially insured patient receiving a given test or procedure relative to a Medicaid patient. Models controlled for race, ethnicity, and zip code income quartile. Commercially insured patients were more likely to receive each cardiac test or procedure, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.16 (95% CI, 1.00–1.34) for cardiac catheterization in ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction to 1.40 (95% CI, 1.27–1.54) for pacemaker implantation. Conclusions Hospitalized commercially insured patients were more likely to undergo a range of cardiac tests and procedures, some of which may represent low‐value care. This may be driven by a combination of physician and patient preference, financial incentives, and social determinants of health. Our findings support the need for hospital payment models focused on increasing value and reducing inequities.

Cervical cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in pregnancy and for some patients, abortion may be desired or recommended. The Dobbs v Jackson decision has the potential to limit choice while exacerbating disparities in cervical cancer care. We highlight the necessity of employing a reproductive justice framework to both clinical care and research for cervical cancer care in pregnancy to increase access to reproductive choice and to address inequities. • The Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling has potential to impact gynecologic oncology care. • Cervical cancer inequities are especially vulnerable to exacerbation in the wake of the Dobbs decision. • Applying a reproductive justice framework to cervical cancer is essential to maintaining equitable and evidence-based care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To understand how patients and primary care practitioners (PCPs) discuss racism and their perspectives on having these conversations during primary care visits. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: We conducted semi-structured interviews from September 2020-March 2021 at a Federally Qualified Health Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an inductive qualitative descriptive pilot study using one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with 5 members of a Patient Advisory Council and 10 internal medicine PCPs. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Interviews were conducted via video conferencing, recorded, and transcribed. An iterative analytic process was used to thematically assess participants experiences and perspectives and identify key themes. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Patients and PCPs identified benefits from engaging in conversations about racism during primary care visits and noted challenges and concerns. Patients and PCPs highlighted strategies to advance communication about racism in primary care. CONCLUSIONS: Initiating conversations about racism with patients in primary care can be meaningful, but also has risks. More research is needed for deeper exploration of patients perspectives and development of trainings. Improving how PCPs communicate with patients about racism represents an opportunity to advance antiracism in medicine and improve health outcomes for individuals who have historically been poorly served by our health care system.