Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare-Associated Infections in the United States

Abstract

To explore the racial and ethnic differences in the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) captured using the most recent available National Inpatient Survey (NIS) data for 2016-2017. METHODS: Using merged NIS data from 2016-2017, for adult patients (18 and above), 9 HAI measures-surgical site infection (SSI), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), ventilatorassociated pneumonia (VAP), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia, postoperative pneumonia (POP), MRSA sepsis and clostridium difficile infection (c. diff) were explored using ICD-10 codes. All 9 HAI measures were combined into a composite measure, hospital-associated infection (HAI), and the percent incidence was calculated. Using a binomial regression model and controlling for potentially confounding comorbidities, the odds of HAI were estimated among racial/ethnic groups.

Epidemiology of ICU-Onset Bloodstream Infection: Prevalence, Pathogens, and Risk Factors Among 150,948 ICU Patients at 85 U.S. Hospitals*

“…Our study identified demographic factors, chronic conditions, and acute presentations that providers could be cognizant of while gauging risk of ICU-onset BSI. Black and Hispanic patients displayed a higher risk for ICU-onset BSI compared with White patients further widening existing healthcare disparities even around healthcare-associated conditions (32, 33). Chronic conditions including neurologic and hepatic disorders, coagulopathy, arrhythmias, weight loss, and acute presentations such as trauma, acute respiratory, and gastrointestinal dysfunction were associated with acquisition of ICU-onset BSI.…”