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Tefera GM, Yu M, Robinson EL, Winter VR, Bloom T. Transition, Adjustment, and Healthcare Avoidance: African Immigrant Women's Experiences and Perceptions of Navigating Primary Healthcare in the USA. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1504. [PMID: 39120207 PMCID: PMC11311796 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12151504] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explores the transition and adjustment of African immigrant women, particularly Ethiopian immigrant women (EIW), as they navigate the U.S. healthcare system and their ability to access and utilize healthcare services. A qualitative cross-sectional design with a mix of purposive and snowball sampling techniques was utilized to recruit EIW (N = 21, ≥18 years) who arrived in the U.S. within the last five years. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using Nvivo12 software. The thematic analysis revealed three major themes: (1) settling into new life in the U.S. delays EIWs' ability to access primary healthcare; (2) adjusting to the U.S. healthcare system: confusions and mixed perceptions; and (3) avoidance of care: EIW's reasons for PHC visits changed in the U.S. Participants avoided healthcare, except for life-threatening conditions, general check-ups, and maternal healthcare services. Transitional support for legal, residential, employment, and health information could help tackle the challenges of accessing primary healthcare for EIW. Future research should analyze access to healthcare in relation to the everyday struggles of immigrant women, as well as legal and complex structural issues beyond acculturative issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gashaye M. Tefera
- College of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Mansoo Yu
- School of Social Work, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; (M.Y.); (E.L.R.)
- Department of Public Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Erin L. Robinson
- School of Social Work, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; (M.Y.); (E.L.R.)
| | | | - Tina Bloom
- School of Nursing, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore, MD 21210, USA;
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Koo DC, Scalise PN, Chiu MZ, Staffa SJ, Demehri FR, Cuenca AG, Kim HB, Lee EJ. Effect of citizenship status on access to pediatric liver and kidney transplantation. Am J Transplant 2024:S1600-6135(24)00381-2. [PMID: 38908484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.06.008] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Transplantation of non-US citizen residents remains controversial. We evaluate national trends in transplant activity among pediatric noncitizen residents (PNCR). Pediatric liver and kidney transplant data were obtained from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Data on transplanted organs, region, waitlist additions, procedures, and citizenship status were analyzed from 2012-2022. Rates of PNCR transplantation activity were compared with population rates from the US Census Bureau. On average, 713 ± 47 pediatric liver and 1039 ± 51 kidney patients were added to the waitlist, with 544 ± 32 liver and 742 ± 33 kidney transplants performed annually. Of these, PNCR comprised 1.5% and 3.3% of liver and kidney waitlist additions and 1.5% and 2.9% of liver and kidney transplant procedures, respectively. There were no significant changes in waitlist or transplant activity nationwide over the study period. There was a significant geographic variation in the percentage of waitlist additions and transplants across the United Network for Organ Sharing regions among the PNCR for liver and kidney transplantation. This is the first study to evaluate national trends in transplantation activity among PNCRs. The significant regional variation in transplantation activity for PNCR may suggest multilevel structural and systemic barriers to transplant accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna C Koo
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - P Nina Scalise
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Megan Z Chiu
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven J Staffa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Farokh R Demehri
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex G Cuenca
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heung Bae Kim
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eliza J Lee
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Mercen JL, Curran KM, Belmar MT, Sanchez J, Hasan I, Kalra S, Raina PM, Patel S, Arrechavaleta D, Lee V, Anderson P. Social Determinants of Health Impacting Access to Renal Dialysis for Racial/Ethnic Minorities. Cureus 2023; 15:e45826. [PMID: 37876398 PMCID: PMC10593311 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although widespread, the burden of disease presented by chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not equally distributed among all demographics. Examining the social determinants of health (SDOH) that relate to barriers to renal dialysis care in CKD can help to prevent future disparities. There has not been a study addressing the social factors that create barriers to care for ethnic minority patients with CKD. The aim of this scoping review is to address the SDOH that affects access to renal dialysis for ethnic minority patients in the United States. This study was based on the protocol published by the Joanna Briggs Institute. A total of 349 studies were identified from PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Embase. Each article was screened against population, concept, and context criteria in order to be considered for inclusion. The population was determined to be adults of all genders from underrepresented minority populations. The selected concept was SDOH. The context of this study was the United States population. From the articles selected by the search criteria, neighborhood of residence, mental health care access, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) methodology, socioeconomic status (SES), language barriers, immigration status, and military rank were identified as SDOH affecting access to renal dialysis care. While this study identified four social determinants, more research is needed for the investigation of other possible SDOH contributing to disparities related to CKD and access to renal dialysis care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Mercen
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, USA
| | - Kiely M Curran
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale , USA
| | - Markeeta T Belmar
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater , USA
| | - Jaron Sanchez
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, USA
| | - Ibrahim Hasan
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Sahib Kalra
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, USA
| | - Parth M Raina
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, USA
| | - Sahil Patel
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, USA
| | - Dania Arrechavaleta
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, USA
| | - Vincent Lee
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Paula Anderson
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
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Nagai K. Immunosuppressive Agent Options for Primary Nephrotic Syndrome: A Review of Network Meta-Analyses and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030601. [PMID: 36984602 PMCID: PMC10054564 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options with immunosuppressive agents for glomerular diseases have widened with refinements to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines from 2012 to 2021. However, international guidelines do not necessarily match the reality in each country. Expensive therapies such as rituximab and calcineurin inhibitors are sometimes inaccessible to patients with refractory nephrotic syndrome due to cost or regulations. Under the Japanese medical insurance system, rituximab is accessible but still limited to steroid-dependent patients who developed idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in childhood. Based on international KDIGO guidelines and other national guidelines, possible applications of immunosuppressive agents for nephrotic syndrome are comprehensively examined in this review. While rituximab has become the mainstay of immunosuppressive therapy for nephrotic syndrome, clinical trials have indicated that options such as cyclophosphamide, calcineurin inhibitors, and mycophenolate mofetil would be preferable. Given the rising number of patients with nephrotic syndrome worldwide, KDIGO guidelines mention the need for further consideration of cost-effectiveness. If the new option of rituximab is to be the first choice in combination with steroids for nephrotic syndrome, its cost-effectiveness should also be verified. Among the few studies examining the cost-effectiveness of treatments for nephrotic syndrome, administration of rituximab to young adults has been shown to be cost-beneficial, at least in Japan. However, further large-scale studies involving multiple facilities are needed to verify such findings. Network meta-analyses have concluded that the efficacy of rituximab remains controversial and confirmation through high-quality studies of large cohorts is needed. To this end, the mechanisms of action underlying immunosuppressive agents, both old and new, need to be understood and experience must be accumulated to evaluate possible effects and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nagai
- University of Tsukuba Hospital Hitachi Social Cooperation Education Research Center, Hitachi 317-0077, Ibaraki, Japan
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Freiberger D, Kimball B, Traum AZ, Berbert L, O'Melia L, Daly KP, Kim HB, McKenna KD. Equity factors in pediatric transplant listing: Initial findings from a single center review. Pediatr Transplant 2023; 27:e14467. [PMID: 36604853 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to improve transparency within the patient selection process, a transplant listing advisory committee was formed within the Boston Children's Hospital Pediatric Transplant Center. Its mission is to promote equity in access to organ transplantation by ensuring that the institutional transplant selection criteria are fair, unbiased, and nondiscriminatory. The committee conducts comprehensive case and data review of individual characteristics and reviews in aggregate to identify potential systems bias. METHODS Charts for 256 patients evaluated for transplant from 3/2016 to 3/2019 were reviewed. Among these, 64 (25%) patients were declined for transplant. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify demographic variables and vulnerable status factors associated with being declined. Odds ratios (OR) are reported. RESULTS Among all patients, median age was 8.5 years and 58% were male. Asian patients were more likely to be declined than White patients (OR = 5.3, Wald p = .007). Socioeconomic factors that affected likelihood of listing decline included concerns for caregivers' ability to manage and understand care requirements (OR = 3.8, p = .011), caregiver employment status (OR = 1.9, p = .042), and use of public assistance programs (OR = 2.2, p = .05). Patients with severe neurodevelopmental delay were more likely to be declined for listing (OR = 3.7, p = .019). CONCLUSION This analysis identified areas of potential bias related to race, socioeconomic status, and neurodevelopmental delay where initiatives can be targeted. Advisory committees are an important aspect of evaluating equity in transplant center selection policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Freiberger
- Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brendan Kimball
- Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Avram Z Traum
- Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura Berbert
- Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura O'Melia
- Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin P Daly
- Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heung B Kim
- Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristine D McKenna
- Pediatric Transplant Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Rea KE, West KB, Dorste A, Christofferson ES, Lefkowitz D, Mudd E, Schneider L, Smith C, Triplett KN, McKenna K. A systematic review of social determinants of health in pediatric organ transplant outcomes. Pediatr Transplant 2023; 27:e14418. [PMID: 36321186 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equitable access to pediatric organ transplantation is critical, although risk factors negatively impacting pre- and post-transplant outcomes remain. No synthesis of the literature on SDoH within the pediatric organ transplant population has been conducted; thus, the current systematic review summarizes findings to date assessing SDoH in the evaluation, listing, and post-transplant periods. METHODS Literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases. RESULTS Ninety-three studies were included based on pre-established criteria and were reviewed for main findings and study quality. Findings consistently demonstrated disparities in key transplant outcomes based on racial or ethnic identity, including timing and likelihood of transplant, and rates of rejection, graft failure, and mortality. Although less frequently assessed, variations in outcomes based on geography were also noted, while findings related to insurance or SES were inconsistent. CONCLUSION This review underscores the persistence of SDoH and disparity in equitable transplant outcomes and discusses the importance of individual and systems-level change to reduce such disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Rea
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Kara B West
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anna Dorste
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Debra Lefkowitz
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emily Mudd
- Cleveland Clinic Children's, Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Schneider
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Courtney Smith
- Norton Children's, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Kelli N Triplett
- Children's Health, Children's Medical Center Dallas, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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