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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 5 of 5 Research Studies DisplayedErickson T, Daftary K, Quan VL
Capturing the diversity of dermatology-what's in a name?
This article discusses the use of the term skin of color (SOC) in dermatology and how certain individuals with less skin pigment may socially consider themselves to be SOC, while the inverse is true. The authors sought to highlight strengths and weaknesses of the current terminology used in SOC dermatology and recommend a more holistic understanding of reported differences, including a framework reflective of upstream socioeconomic, environmental, and historical factors that may be most relevant to reported associations.
AHRQ-funded; HS026385.
Citation: Erickson T, Daftary K, Quan VL .
Capturing the diversity of dermatology-what's in a name?
Am J Clin Dermatol 2023 Sep; 24(5):675-80. doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00800-9..
Keywords: Skin Conditions, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Smith JH, Silverberg JI
Correlation of clinician-reported outcomes with patient-reported outcomes by race and ethnicity in patients with atopic dermatitis.
This study examined the correlation of clinician-reported outcome measures (ClinROMs) with patient-reported outcomes by race and ethnicity in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). A prospective, dermatology practice-based study was conducted with children and adults with AD for patients enrolled January 2014 through September 2019. Electronic surveys were completed by patients or caregivers, including self-identified race and Hispanic ethnicity, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for average itch in the past 7 days, and Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM). Different severity indexes including Ezcema Area and Severity Index (EASI), and objective-SCORing Atopic Dermatitis Index (SCORAD) were used by a dermatologist to perform total body skin assessments. Spear correlations were performed for POEM and NRS-itch versus objective-SCORAD and EASI. Overall, 1987 patients were included in the study (age less than 18 years: 101 [5.08%], age greater or equal to 18 years: 1886 [94.92%]), including 198 (9.96%) Black, 360 (18.12%) Asian, 8 (0.40%) Multiracial/Other, 1313 (66.08%) White, and 108 (5.44%) Hispanic. Black patients had a moderate correlation for POEM with objective-SCORAD and EASI, while NRS average-itch had a weak-moderate correlation. In White patients there were strong correlations for both measures. Patients who were Asian/Pacific Islander had numerically weaker correlations of POEM but strong or very strong correlations of NRS average-itch with objective-SCORAD and EASI compared to White patients while patients with Hispanic ethnicity also showed numerically weaker correlations for POEM with objective-SCORAD and EASI, and weaker correlations of NRS average-itch with EASI.
AHRQ-funded; HS023011.
Citation: Smith JH, Silverberg JI .
Correlation of clinician-reported outcomes with patient-reported outcomes by race and ethnicity in patients with atopic dermatitis.
J Am Acad Dermatol 2023 Sep; 89(3):579-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.04.050..
Keywords: Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Skin Conditions, Outcomes
Wurcel 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
Quan VL, Erickson T, Daftary K
Atopic dermatitis across shades of skin.
This narrative review discussed key terminology related to atopic dermatitis (AD) across shades of skin, including modern definitions of 'race', 'ethnicity', and 'skin of color (SOC)'. Current literature describing disparities in AD prevalence, disease recognition, and burden was synthesized alongside data regarding genetic and immunologic findings across SOC populations. The authors highlighted key concomitant social determinants of health, including environmental factors, socioeconomic status, and access to care, within the context of these findings. They also discussed future efforts to move toward a more inclusive understanding of AD that encompasses all shades of skin and ensures equitable representation of diverse populations in high impact research.
AHRQ-funded; HS026385.
Citation: Quan VL, Erickson T, Daftary K .
Atopic dermatitis across shades of skin.
Am J Clin Dermatol 2023 Sep; 24(5):731-51. doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00797-1..
Keywords: Skin Conditions, Racial and Ethnic Minorities