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Margol ML, Dantes G, Dutreuil VL, Jahan A, Santore MT, Linden AF. The Association of Social Determinants of Health With Short Term Pediatric Gastrostomy Tube Outcomes. J Surg Res 2024; 296:352-359. [PMID: 38306941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social determinants of health (SDH) have been found to be important contributors to postoperative outcomes, especially those related to procedures that require significant postoperative resources. The association between short-term gastrostomy tube (GT) outcomes and SDH in the pediatric population is unknown. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all patients less than 18 y old who received a GT between January 2018 and December 2020 at a single institution. Data including demographics, area deprivation index (ADI), and perioperative information were collected. Patient characteristics were compared in those that did and did not have an unexpected emergency department (ED) visit within 6 wk of discharge from GT placement. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon sum-rank, Chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test where applicable, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of the 541 children who underwent GT placement, 112 (20.7%) returned to the ED within 6 wk postdischarge. In univariable analysis, Black children had 1.64 the odds of an unexpected ED visit compared to White children (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-2.60, P = 0.03). When controlling for ethnicity, primary language, insurance, ADI and comorbidities, Black children had 1.80 the odds of an unexpected ED visit compared to White children (95% CI 1.10-2.97, P = 0.02). Final model fit which added a race by ADI interaction term revealed Black children had 2.52 the odds of an unexpected ED visit compared to White children in the low (1-6) ADI group (95% CI 1.41-4.60, P = 0.002). Within advantaged neighborhoods (ADI 1-6), the probability of unplanned ED visits for White children was 17.3% (95%CI 8.9% - 31.1%), which was significantly lower than that for Black children (34.6%, 95% CI 18.8% - 54.7%; P value = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Race and neighborhood disadvantage can be associated with unexpected ED visits within 6 wk of discharge from GT placement in the pediatric population. For procedures that require significant postdischarge resources it is important to study the effect of SDH on return to the healthcare system as they can be an important driver of disparities in outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Margol
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
| | - Goeto Dantes
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Valerie L Dutreuil
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Afrin Jahan
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Matthew T Santore
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Allison F Linden
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
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Zhao HH, Wilhelm SM. Pediatric thyroid cancer: Socioeconomic disparities and their impact on access to care. Surgery 2024; 175:661-670. [PMID: 37863694 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined the disparities in access to care for pediatric thyroid cancers. We sought to clarify socioeconomic and patient factors that affect access to care for pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer and aggressive variants of papillary thyroid cancer. METHODS Using the National Cancer Database, we performed a retrospective study on pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer and aggressive variants of papillary thyroid cancer (2004-2019). Patients were divided into three periods (2004-2008, 2009-2013, 2014-2019) to assess for trends. The χ2 analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to test for independence of groupings for each socioeconomic and disease-related factor. RESULTS In all, 6,275 patients with pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer and 182 with aggressive variants of papillary thyroid cancer were analyzed. Differentiated thyroid cancer patients with Medicaid (median 18.0 miles) and those from lower-income households (median 21-30 miles) had to travel greater distances for care in recent years (2014-2019). Racial/ethnic disparities were evident; Black and Hispanic patients have higher odds of waiting >30 days for surgery (odds ratio 1.39, 1.49, P < .05, respectively) than White patients. Black patients with differentiated thyroid cancer had a higher risk of mortality compared with White and Hispanic patients (hazard ratio 4.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.95-9.51, P < .05). Nodal positivity was higher in Hispanic patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (60%, P < .05, White patients 51% and Black patients 36%). Socioeconomic factors did not significantly affect survival or nodal positivity in aggressive variants of papillary thyroid cancer. CONCLUSION This study highlights disparities in access to care and survival outcomes in pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer and aggressive variants of papillary thyroid cancer. Race, income status, and type of insurance all play a role in these disparities. Understanding the complex etiologies and developing interventions to improve access and patient outcomes are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heming H Zhao
- University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
| | - Scott M Wilhelm
- University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
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Fei-Zhang DJ, Chelius DC, Sheyn AM, Rastatter JC. Large-data contextualizations of social determinant associations in pediatric head and neck cancers. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 31:424-429. [PMID: 37712774 DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Prior investigations in social determinants of health (SDoH) and their impact on pediatric head and neck cancers are limited by the narrow scope of cancer types and SDoH being studied while lacking inquiry on the interrelational contribution of varied SDoH in real-world contexts. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current research tackling these shortcomings of SDoH-based studies in head and neck cancer and to discuss means of applying these findings in prospective initiatives and implementations. RECENT FINDINGS Through leveraging contemporary, large-data analyses measuring diverse social vulnerabilities, several studies have identified comprehensive delineations of which social disparities contribute the largest quantifiable impact on the care of head and neck cancer patients. Progressing from prior SDoH-based research of the decade, these studies contextualize the effect of social vulnerabilities and have laid the foundations to begin addressing these issues in the complex, modern-day environment of interrelatedsocial factors. SUMMARY Social determinants of health markedly affect pediatric head and neck cancer care and prognosis in complex and surprising ways. Modern-day tools and analyses derived from large-data techniques have unveiled the quantifiable underpinnings of how SDoH impact these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel C Chelius
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Pediatric Thyroid Tumor Program and Pediatric Head and Neck Tumor Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony M Sheyn
- Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jeff C Rastatter
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Impact of social disparities on 10 year survival rates in paediatric cancers: a cohort study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 20:100454. [PMID: 36875264 PMCID: PMC9974417 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Studies reporting on the impact of social determinants of health on childhood cancer are limited. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between health disparities, as measured by the social deprivation index, and mortality in paediatric oncology patients using a population-based national database. Methods In this cohort study of children across all paediatric cancers, survival rates were determined using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 1975 to 2016. The social deprivation index was used to measure and assess healthcare disparities and specifically the impact on both overall and cancer-specific survival. Hazard ratios were used to assess the association of area deprivation. Findings The study cohort was composed of 99,542 patients with paediatric cancer. Patients had a median age of 10 years old (IQR: 3-16) with 46,109 (46.3%) of female sex. Based on race, 79,984 (80.4%) of patients were identified as white while 10,801 (10.9%) were identified as Black. Patients from socially deprived areas had significantly higher hazard of death overall for both non-metastatic [1.27 (95% CI: 1.19-1.36)] and metastatic presentations [1.09 (95% CI: 1.05-1.15)] compared to in more socially affluent areas. Interpretation Patients from the most socially deprived areas had lower rates of overall and cancer-specific survival compared to patients from socially affluent areas. With an increase in childhood cancer survivors, implementation of social determinant indices, such as the social deprivation index, might aid improvement in healthcare outcomes for the most vulnerable patients. Funding There was no study sponsor or extramural funding.
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Haugen T, Pai K, Desiato V, Lesh R. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: The Big Picture. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 168:549-550. [PMID: 36040821 DOI: 10.1177/01945998221120505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Efforts are being made to achieve equitable health care for all, in addition to providing equal opportunity for those working within the health care system. Many challenges, however, still need to be overcome as research increasingly brings to light new areas of concern. In this commentary, we highlight recently published findings within the field of otolaryngology in the United States. These findings are then discussed within the context of global health care disparities to emphasize the importance of equitable health care on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsen Haugen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
- Global Outreach Committee, American Head and Neck Society, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kavya Pai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vincent Desiato
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Randy Lesh
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
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Mallur P, Ikeda A, Patel A, Raol N, Ahanotu A, Suarez-Goris D, Randolph GW, Shin JJ. Evidence-Based Medicine in Otolaryngology Part 14: Falsehood and Bias. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 168:1584-1595. [PMID: 36808631 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Falsehood and bias can have tangible effects, whether related to the "hoax" of Corona virus disease/COVID-19 or the impact of personal protective equipment in city-wide news. The spread of false information requires the diversion of time and resources into rebolstering the truth. Our objective is thus to elucidate types of bias that may influence our daily work, along with ways to mitigate them. DATA SOURCES Publications are included which delineate specific aspects of bias or address how to preempt, mitigate, or correct bias, whether conscious or unconscious. REVIEW METHODS We discuss: (1) the background and rationale for proactively considering potential sources of bias, (2) relevant definitions and concepts, (3) potential means to limit effects of inaccurate data sources, and (4) evolving frontiers in the management of bias. In doing so, we review epidemiological concepts and susceptibility to bias within study designs, including database studies, observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. We additionally discuss concepts such as the difference between disinformation and misinformation, differential or nondifferential misclassification, bias toward a null result, and unconscious bias, among others. CONCLUSION We have the means to mitigate sources of potential bias in database studies, observational studies, RCTs, and systematic reviews, beginning with education and awareness. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE False information may spread faster than true information, so it is beneficial to understand potential sources of falsehood we face, in order to safeguard our daily impressions and decisions. Awareness of potential sources of falsehood and bias forms the foundation for accuracy in our everyday work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Mallur
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allison Ikeda
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anju Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nikhila Raol
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adaobi Ahanotu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dany Suarez-Goris
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory W Randolph
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer J Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Fei-Zhang DJ, Chelius DC, Patel UA, Smith SS, Sheyn AM, Rastatter JC. Assessment of Social Vulnerability in Pediatric Head and Neck Cancer Care and Prognosis in the United States. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e230016. [PMID: 36800183 PMCID: PMC9938432 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Prior investigations in social determinants of health (SDoH) in pediatric head and neck cancer (HNC) have only considered a narrow scope of HNCs, SDoH, and geography while lacking inquiry into the interrelational association of SDoH with disparities in clinical pediatric HNC. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association of SDoH with disparities in HNC among children and adolescents and to assess which specific aspects of SDoH are most associated with disparities in dynamic and regional sociodemographic contexts. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study included data about patients (aged ≤19 years) with pediatric HNC who were diagnosed from 1975 to 2017 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database. Data were analyzed from October 2021 to October 2022. EXPOSURES Overall social vulnerability and its subcomponent contributions from 15 SDoH variables, grouped into socioeconomic status (SES; poverty, unemployment, income level, and high school diploma status), minority and language status (ML; minoritized racial and ethnic group and proficiency with English), household composition (HH; household members aged ≥65 and ≤17 years, disability status, single-parent status), and housing and transportation (HT; multiunit structure, mobile homes, crowding, no vehicle, group quarters). These were ranked and scored across all US counties. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Regression trends were performed in continuous measures of surveillance and survival period and in discrete measures of advanced staging and surgery receipt. RESULTS A total of 37 043 patients (20 729 [55.9%] aged 10-19 years; 18 603 [50.2%] male patients; 22 430 [60.6%] White patients) with 30 different HNCs in SEER had significant relative decreases in the surveillance period, ranging from 23.9% for malignant melanomas (mean [SD] duration, lowest vs highest vulnerability: 170 [128] months to 129 [88] months) to 41.9% for non-Hodgkin lymphomas (mean [SD] duration, lowest vs highest vulnerability: 216 [142] months vs 127 [94] months). SES followed by ML and HT vulnerabilities were associated with these overall trends per relative-difference magnitudes (eg, SES for ependymomas and choroid plexus tumors: mean [SD] duration, lowest vs highest vulnerability: 114 [113] months vs 86 [84] months; P < .001). Differences in mean survival time were observed with increasing social vulnerability, ranging from 11.3% for ependymomas and choroid plexus tumors (mean [SD] survival, lowest vs highest vulnerability: 46 [46] months to 41 [48] months; P = .43) to 61.4% for gliomas not otherwise specified (NOS) (mean [SD] survival, lowest vs highest vulnerability: 44 [84] months to 17 [28] months; P < .001), with ML vulnerability followed by SES, HH, and HT being significantly associated with decreased survival (eg, ML for gliomas NOS: mean [SD] survival, lowest vs highest vulnerability: 42 [84] months vs 19 [35] months; P < .001). Increased odds of advanced staging with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02-1.45) and retinoblastomas (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.14-1.50) and decreased odds of surgery receipt for melanomas (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69-0.91) and rhabdomyosarcomas (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83-0.98) were associated with increasing overall social vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study of patients with pediatric HNC, significant decreases in receipt of care and survival time were observed with increasing SDoH vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel C. Chelius
- Pediatric Thyroid Tumor Program and Pediatric Head and Neck Tumor Program, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
| | - Urjeet A. Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Stephanie S. Smith
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anthony M. Sheyn
- Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
- Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jeff C. Rastatter
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Moon PK, Qian ZJ, Noel JE, Orloff LA, Seeley H, Hartman GE, Josephs S, Meister KD. Sociodemographic Disparities in the Diagnostic Management of Pediatric Thyroid Nodules. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 148:2797390. [PMID: 36227590 PMCID: PMC9562096 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2022.3167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Thyroid cancer is the most common pediatric endocrine malignant neoplasm. Disparities in the workup of thyroid nodules may be significantly associated with thyroid cancer outcomes. Objective To determine the association of sociodemographic factors with the odds of receiving a biopsy, timeliness of the procedure, and risk of nodule malignancy. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using insurance claims data from the Optum Clinformatics Data Mart database. The study cohort comprised pediatric patients diagnosed with single thyroid nodules between 2003 and 2020. Data analysis was performed from January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify demographic variables associated with biopsy and nodule malignant neoplasm. A multivariable linear regression model was used to assess the time between thyroid nodule diagnosis and biopsy. Results Of 11 643 children (median [IQR] age at diagnosis or procedure, 15 [12-17] years; 8549 [73.2%] were female and 3126 [26.8%] were male) diagnosed with single thyroid nodules, 2117 (18.2%) received a biopsy. Among the patients who received a biopsy, 304 (14.4%) were found to have a malignant nodule. Greater parental education was associated with a shorter diagnosis-to-biopsy interval (mean difference, -7.24 days; 95% CI, -13.75 to -0.73). Older age at nodule diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.09-1.13) and female gender (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.11-1.40) were associated with increased odds of receiving a biopsy, while Black/African American (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.65-0.99) and Hispanic (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72-0.99) patients had lower odds of receiving a biopsy compared with White patients. Finally, female gender (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.80-1.47) was not associated with lower odds of nodule malignant neoplasm. Conclusions and Relevance Findings of this cross-sectional study highlight disparities in the diagnostic management of pediatric thyroid nodules. These results call for future work to ensure equitable access to thyroid care for all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K. Moon
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Z. Jason Qian
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Julia E. Noel
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Lisa A. Orloff
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Hilary Seeley
- Department of Pediatrics–Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Gary E. Hartman
- Department of Surgery–Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Shellie Josephs
- Department of Radiology–Pediatric Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Kara D. Meister
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Aladuwaka S, Alagan R, Singh R, Mishra M. Health Burdens and SES in Alabama: Using Geographic Information System to Examine Prostate Cancer Health Disparity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194824. [PMID: 36230747 PMCID: PMC9563407 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The focus of the research was to examine the relationship between Socioeconomic status and prostate cancer in Alabama’s Black Belt region. The cancer rate in Alabama is high, and the state has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the USA. The research aims to identify probable reasons, raise awareness, and propose cancer prevention policies. The Geographic Information System, a robust technology, has been adopted to understand Alabama’s county-level prostate cancer incidence and mortality and its association with socioeconomic and health disparities. The analysis indicated an apparent socioeconomic disparity between the Black Belt and Non-Black Belt counties of Alabama. The poverty rate is higher in Black Belt counties. The data revealed that the preexisting condition of diabetes and obesity is closely associated with prostate cancer. Also, incidence and mortality disparities strongly relate to socioeconomic status, and the preexisting condition of obesity and diabetes adds to prostate cancer incidences. Poverty is the root course of inequalities in education, income, and healthcare facilities, particularly among African Americans, contributing to Alabama’s health burden of prostate cancer. The study proposes effective health policy intervention to prevent and reduce prostate cases and mortality among underserved communities in Alabama. Abstract Socioeconomic disparities influence the risk of many diseases, including cancer. The cancer rate in Alabama is high, and the state has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the USA. Alabama’s counties are embedded with socioeconomic disparities, politics, race, ethnicity, and oppression, among which social equity and socioeconomic status (SES) been closely associated with prostate cancer. The Geographic Information System (GIS) has become a valuable technology in understanding public health in many applications, including cancer. This study integrates Alabama’s county-level prostate cancer incidence and mortality and its association with socioeconomic and health disparities. We conducted robust data mining from several data sources such as the Alabama State Cancer Profile data, Alabama Department of Health, American Cancer Society, Center for Disease Control, and National Cancer Institute. The research method is the Geographic Information System (GIS), and we employed prostate cancer data within GIS to understand Alabama’s prostate cancer prevalence regarding SES. The GIS analysis indicated an apparent socioeconomic disparity between the Black Belt and Non-Black Belt counties of Alabama. The Black Belt counties’ poverty rate is also remarkably higher than non-Black Belt counties. In addition, we analyzed the median household income by race. Our analysis demonstrates that the Asian background population in the state earned the highest median income compared to non-Hispanic whites and the African American population. Furthermore, the data revealed that the preexisting condition of diabetes and obesity is closely associated with prostate cancer. The GIS analysis suggests that prostate cancer incidence and mortality disparities are strongly related to SES. In addition, the preexisting condition of obesity and diabetes adds to prostate cancer incidences. Poverty also reflects inequalities in education, income, and healthcare facilities, particularly among African Americans, contributing to Alabama’s health burden of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seela Aladuwaka
- Cancer Biology Research and Training, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
- Department of Advancement Studies, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
| | - Ram Alagan
- Cancer Biology Research and Training, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
- Department of Advancement Studies, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
| | - Rajesh Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology and Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Manoj Mishra
- Cancer Biology Research and Training, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
- Correspondence:
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10
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Haymart MR. Year in Thyroidology-Recent Developments and Future Challenges: Clinical Science Review. Thyroid 2022; 32:9-13. [PMID: 34806424 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: The 2021 Year in Thyroidology-Recent Developments and Future Challenges: Clinical Science Review featured key clinical research within five categories: Thyroid Nodules and Cancer, Thyroid Function and Thyroid Eye Disease, Thyroid and Pregnancy, Thyroid and Pediatrics, and Disparities in Thyroid. Methods: A literature search of PubMed from November 2019 to August 2021 was performed to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles published in English and with a focus on human subjects. Results: There were three nominees for each of the five categories and one featured article per category. The featured articles had the most potential to change clinical practice, focused on a novel topic, and/or included of strong methodology. Conclusions: There were many strong publications on thyroid between November 2019 and August 2021; the 15 nominees and 5 featured articles span a breadth of topics and methodological approaches. The featured articles all have potential to change practice patterns or to stimulate further research that will ultimately change practice patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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