The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #69208

Tebeb Gebretsadik, MPH, Celia Larson, PhD, Rhonda Belue, PhD, Erika Shambaugh, MA, and Tameka A. Jobe, MA. Division of Research and Evaluation, Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County Health Department, 311 23rd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-340-2257, Tebeb_Gebretsadik@mhd.nashville.org

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most serious health challenges in the United States today. Prevalence in African Americans is much higher than in White Americans. The percentage of African Americans that have been diagnosed with Type II diabetes is increasing dramatically. A key to address the needs of individuals diagnosed with diabetes is to monitor hospital discharge records. The purpose of the present study was to analyze inpatient and outpatient hospital discharge records in a mid-south urban community to identify disparities based on race/ethnicity and payer status focusing on the 18-64 year age group. Approximately 70,000 inpatient records and 279,000 outpatient and emergency department records were analyzed for the years 2000-2001. The results demonstrated disparities based on primary ICD-9 code 250. African Americans were admitted for inpatient care at over twice the rate of White Americans. In 2000, the inpatient hospitalization rates were 36 per 10,000 for African Americans and 13 per 10,000 for White Americans. The rates were 34 per 10,000 and 10 per 10,000 for African Americans and White American respectively in 2001. In addition African American diabetic inpatients were more likely to be uninsured compared to White American diabetic inpatients. Although the disparity was not as striking, African Americans sought care in hospital outpatient facilities or emergency departments more often compared to White Americans. In addition, White ambulatory care patients were more likely to have health insurance compared to African Americans. The results underscore the pressing need to eliminate disparities and reduce hospitalizations for uncontrolled diabetes. Further, the results call for innovative programs to better address the health care needs of the uninsured. Hospital administrative data presents an opportunity for surveillance and to connect individuals with aggressive interventions such as community-based programs to control this disease.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Describe the importance of monitoring hospital records for chronic diseases
• 2.Enumerate racial disparities in diabetes
• 3.Describe one program that assists with the health care needs of the uninsured

Keywords: Diabetes, Hospitals

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.