The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #33214

Tami L. Mark, PhD¹, Liisa Palmer, PhD¹, Patricia Russo², and Joseph Vasey, PhD³. (1) Outcomes Research and Econometrics, The MEDSTAT Group, 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 330, Washington, DC 20008, 202-719-7832, tami.mark@medstat.com, (2) Director, Outcomes Research and Econometrics, The MEDSTAT Group, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 330, Washington, DC 20008, (3) Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, 16 Henderson Building, University Park, PA 18102

Objective: Examine differences in treatment patterns for schizophrenia among African-Americans and Non-African Americans enrolled in the U.S. Schizophrenia Care and Assessment Program (SCAP).

Methods: Baseline data used to assess differences by race and race-gender pairings (n=2239). Symptomology and functionality included as measures of schizophrenia severity. Utilization measured by service type. Antipsychotic agents coded for first generation only, any second generation, Clozapine, and no antipsychotic use. Presence of Antiparkinson/Anticholinergic medications and depot administration examined. Descriptive and logistic regression modeling employed.

Results: Symptoms and Functionality: African-Americans more likely to be diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, yet no more likely than Non-African Americans to present with greater positive symptoms. African-Americans exhibited more negative symptoms, lower QLS scores, and higher AIMS scores than Non-African Americans. Utilization: African-Americans had fewer individual therapy sessions, less day treatment and more rehabilitation visits than Non-African Americans. Medications: African-Americans less likely than Non-African Americans to be prescribed second-generation antipsychotics and more likely to be prescribed Antiparkinson/Anticholinergic agents. The proportion of African-American males receiving depot formulation was greater than that of other race-gender pairings. Multivariate Analysis: African-Americans more likely than Non-African Americans to be prescribed only a first generation antipsychotic. Presence of depot administration positively associated with first generation antipsychotics but differences by race remained after controlling for depot administration.

Conclusions: Interesting treatment differential noted between African-Americans and Non-African Americans. Symptom profiles of African-Americans indicate that prescribing second-generation antipsychotics clinically appropriate. Adjusted results corroborate results that race, rather than clinical presentation, is significant determinant of antipsychotic medication choice for schizophrenia treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, the participant should be able to recognize the impact of race on antipsychotic medication treatment for schizophrenia.

Keywords: Ethnic Minorities, Health Care Access

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.