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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 2 of 2 Research Studies DisplayedWurcel AG, Essien UR, Ortiz C
Variation by race in antibiotics prescribed for hospitalized patients with skin and soft tissue infections.
This cohort study examined antibiotics prescribed and variations by race among hospitalized patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). A subanalysis of multisite, cross-sectional data collected through a national survey of acute care hospital groups within Vizient, Inc. considering adult inpatients treated for SSTIs was used. Of the 1242 adult inpatients included from 91 US hospitals, 45% were female, 18% were Black, and 69% were White with a mean age of 58 years. Penicillin allergy with hives was found in 23%, 19% with rash, and 18% with unknown effects, with allergy found more frequent in Black patients (23%) versus White (18%). Adjusting for multiple factors, White inpatients were at an increased risk of cefazolin use and decreased risk of clindamycin use compared with Black inpatients. Cefazolin use with less likely to be prescribed to Black inpatients than White inpatients and they were likely to be prescribed clindamycin. Cefazolin is considered a first-line SSTI treatment with clindamycin not recommended given frequent dosing and high potential for adverse effects including Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Although penicillin allergy is described as more prevalent among White patients, the authors observed an increased prevalence among Black inpatients compared with White inpatients treated for SSTI.
Citation: Wurcel AG, Essien UR, Ortiz C .
Variation by race in antibiotics prescribed for hospitalized patients with skin and soft tissue infections.
JAMA Netw Open 2021 Dec;4(12):e2140798. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.40798..
Keywords: Antibiotics, Skin Conditions, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Practice Patterns, Medication
Chovatiya R, Begolka WS, Thibau IJ
Financial burden and impact of atopic dermatitis out-of-pocket healthcare expenses among Black individuals in the United States.
The purpose of this study was to explain the categories and impact of out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenses associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) management among black individuals. The researchers administered a voluntary online survey to 113, 502 members of the National Eczema Association. 77.3% of respondents met the participation criteria of being U.S. residents, 18 years of age and older, and self-reporting that they had AD or were the primary caregivers of individuals with AD. The study found that Blacks (74.2%) vs. non-Blacks (63.3%) reported more OOP costs for prescription medications covered (65.1%) and not covered (46.5%), by insurance, emergency room visits (22.1% vs. 11.8%), and outpatient laboratory testing (33.3% vs. 21.8%,). There was a relationship between Black race and increased household financial impact from OOP expenses, and predictors of financial impact included minimally controlled AD, systemic therapy, greater than $200 monthly OOP expenses, and Medicaid. Blacks with Medicaid had greater odds of harmful financial impact than those of black race or with Medicaid alone. The researchers concluded that there is a relationship between Black race increased OOP costs for AD, with significant financial impact to the household.
AHRQ-funded; HS026385.
Citation: Chovatiya R, Begolka WS, Thibau IJ .
Financial burden and impact of atopic dermatitis out-of-pocket healthcare expenses among Black individuals in the United States.
Arch Dermatol Res 2022 Oct;314(8):739-47. doi: 10.1007/s00403-021-02282-3..
Keywords: Skin Conditions, Healthcare Costs, Racial and Ethnic Minorities