141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

284845
Lenses of health disparities and inequities in San Diego county

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Alicia Sampson, MPH, CPH , Health & Human Services Agency, Public Health Services, County of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Amelia Kenner-Brininger, MPH, CPH , Emergency Medical Services, County of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Leslie Ray, MPH, MPPA, MA , Emergency Medical Services, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, CA
Ryan Smith, MPH , Emergency Medical Services, County of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Isabel Corcos, PhD, MPH , County of San Diego, Emergency Medical Services, County of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Joshua Smith, PhD, MPH , Emergency Medical Services, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, CA
Barbara M. Stepanski, MPH , Emergency Medical Services, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, CA
Kimberly De Vera, BS , Emergency Medical Services, County of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Tyler Packett, B.A. , Emergency Medical Services, County of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Background/Purpose Despite attempts on reducing gaps in illness, injury, risk behaviors, healthcare access, and premature death, significant differences in health outcomes still exist among select populations. The purpose of this study was to examine disparities and health inequities among San Diego County residents by race/ethnicity, gender, age, and geography.

Methods Using the State of California's Emergency Department Discharge, Patient Discharge, and Death Statistical Master Files databases, as well as the California Health Interview Survey, we analyzed differences in chronic disease, communicable disease, maternal and child health, and injury outcomes. In addition to health outcomes, we analyzed associated risk factors and behaviors associated with these health outcomes.

Results/Outcomes Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, Black residents were at significantly (1.2 to 1.8 times, on average) higher risk for chronic disease, communicable disease, poor maternal and child health, and injury in 2009. Females were at higher risk for chronic and communicable disease (1.2 times on average), compared to males. Residents aged 65+ years at higher risk for injury (1.5 times on average) and residents in the very urban areas were at increased risk for poor health outcomes (1.2 times on average).

Conclusions Significant disparities in health outcomes exist within San Diego County. Identifying these disparities and health inequities among select populations are a critical step in our moral obligation to address health equity. As the County of San Diego moves forward with its Live Well, San Diego! initiative, this analysis will help shape policies and priorities related to the health of residents.

Learning Areas:
Biostatistics, economics
Diversity and culture
Epidemiology
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Identify health disparities and inequities in race/ethnicity, gender, age, and geography in a diverse population. Analyze health disparities in chronic disease, communicable disease, maternal and child health, and injury. Assess the risk factors for chronic disease, communicable disease, maternal and health child, and injury among selected populations.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Minority Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an epidemiologist with the County of San Diego and have been the principle or co-principle of several health outcome analyses as well as co-principle of multiple surveillance and epidemiological analyses related to the health of San Diego County Residents. Among my scientific interests has been the epidemiology of injury, halth equity, chronic disease, and innovative health education campaigns.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.