The burden of diabetes is characterized by disparities among racial/ethnic groups in the occurrence of diabetes-related complications. We assessed whether differences exist between racial/ethnic groups in receipt of preventive care services (PCS), using data from the 1996-1998 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an on-going, state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey of noninstitutionalized civilian adults aged³18 years. Receipt of an annual dilated eye exam, foot exam, HbA1C measurement, and influenza vaccination were the PCSs assessed among persons with diabetes. After adjusting for sex, age, and level of education in a multivariate analysis, we found no significant differences between non-hispanic whites, non-hispanic blacks, and hispanics with regard to receipt of an annual dilated eye exam or annual HbA1C measurement. Non-hispanic blacks were more likely (Adjusted OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.05-1.55) to receive an annual foot exam and less likely (Adjusted OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.58-0.86) to receive an annual influenza vaccine in comparison to non-hispanic whites. However, there were no significant differences between non-hispanic whites and hispanics in receipt of these services. The results of this study do not provide strong evidence that racial/ethnic disparities exist in the receipt of diabetes-related PCSs. Therefore, racial/ethnic differences in the receipt of PCSs may not explain racial/ethnic differences in the occurrence of diabetes-related complications. Investigation of alternative factors, such as poor quality of care or poor access to care among certain racial/ethnic groups, are necessary to better understand why racial/ethnic disparities exist in the occurrence of diabetes-related complications.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Recognize whether disparities exist in foot and eye exams. 2. Recognize whether disparities exist in HbA1c measurements and influenza vaccinations. 3. Discuss explanations as to why racial/ethnic disparities may exist in the receipt of diabetes-related preventive care services
Keywords: Diabetes,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.