Kiara K. Spooner

Discharge Against Medical Advice in the United States, 2002-2011

Objective: To describe the national frequency, prevalence, and trends of discharge against medical advice (DAMA) among inpatient hospitalizations in the United States and identify differences across patient‐ and hospital‐level characteristics, overall and in clinically distinct diagnostic subgroups. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of inpatient hospitalizations (≥18 years), discharged between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2011, using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic, and joinpoint regression were used for statistical analyses. Results: Between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2011, more than 338,000 inpatient hospitalizations were discharged against medical advice each year, with a 1.9% average annual increase in prevalence over the decade (95% CI, 0.8%‐3.0%). Temporal trends in DAMA varied by principal diagnosis. Among patients hospitalized for mental health‐ or substance abuse‐related disorders, there was a −2.3% (95% CI, −3.8% to −0.8%) average annual decrease in the rate of DAMA. A statistically significant temporal rate change was not observed among hospitalizations for pregnancy‐related disorders. Multivariable regression revealed several patient and hospital characteristics as predictors of DAMA, including lack of health insurance (odds ratio [OR], 3.78; 95% CI, 3.62–3.94), male sex (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 2.36–2.45), and northeast region (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.72–2.11). Other predictors included age, race/ethnicity, income, primary diagnosis, severity of illness, and hospital location/type and size. Conclusion: Rates for DAMA have increased in the United States, and key differences exist across patient and hospital characteristics. Early identification of vulnerable patients and preventive measures such as improved patient‐provider communication may reduce DAMA.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and postpartum readmission in the United States: National surveillance of the revolving door

Objectives: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) represent the most common cause of maternal–fetal morbidity and mortality. Yet, the prevalence and cost of postpartum (42-day) readmission (PPR) among HDP-complicated pregnancies in the United States remains unknown. This study provides national prevalence and cost estimates of HDP, and examine factors associated with potentially preventable PPR following HDP-complicated pregnancies. Method: The 2013 and 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Databases were used to investigate HDP and PPR among delivery hospitalizations to women aged 15–49 years. PPR rates, length of stay, and costs were stratified by four HDP subtypes based on timing and severity of their condition. Survey logistic regression was employed to generate adjusted odds ratios for the association between HDP and PPR. Result: In 2013 and 2014, there were 6.3 million delivery hospitalizations; 666 506 (10.6%) were complicated by HDP. Annually, HDP was responsible for higher rates of potentially preventable PPR. Among HDP-complicated pregnancies, the 42-day all-cause PPR rate ranged from 2.5% (gestational hypertension) to 4.6% (superimposed preeclampsia/eclampsia). Compared with normotensive pregnancies, HDP resulted in an excess 404 800 hospital days and inpatient care costs of

Differences in Mortality Between Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

731 million. Even after controlling for patient-level and hospital-level confounders, all hypertensive subgroups continued to have at least two-fold, statistically significant, increased odds of potentially preventable PPR. Conclusion: HDP is associated with increased risk of PPR and substantial medical costs. Preventive efforts should be made to identify women at increased risk of PPR during hospitalization so that transition care intervention can be initiated.

National trends of hepatitis B and C during pregnancy across sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors, United States, 1998–2011

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between pregnancy status and in-hospital mortality after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an inpatient setting. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases (2002–2011). International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to define cases, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. Rates of CPR among study groups were calculated by patient and hospital characteristics. Survey logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) that represent the association between pregnancy status and mortality after CPR. Joinpoint regression was used to describe temporal trends in CPR and mortality rates. RESULTS: During the study period, 5,923 women (13–49 years) received inpatient CPR annually. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates increased significantly from 2002 to 2011, by 6.4% and 3.8% annually, for pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively. In-hospital mortality rates after CPR were lower among pregnant women 49.4% (45.4–53.4) than nonpregnant women 71.1% (70.1–72.2), even after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.39–0.56). CONCLUSION: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an inpatient pregnant woman is associated with improved survival compared with this procedure in nonpregnant women. Elucidating reasons behind this association could help to improve CPR outcomes in both pregnant and nonpregnant women.

eHealth patient-provider communication in the United States: interest, inequalities, and predictors

Currently, data examining nationally representative prevalence and trends of HBV or HCV among specific subgroups of pregnant women in the US are unavailable. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of hospitalizations for liveborn singleton deliveries from 1998 to 2011 using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. After identifying deliveries with HBV, HCV, and HIV infection during pregnancy, survey logistic regression was used to identify risk factors. Temporal trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression. The rates of HBV and HCV were 85.8 and 118.6 per 100,000 deliveries, respectively; however, there was substantial variation across maternal and hospital factors. The HBV rate increased from 57.8 in 1998 to 105.0 in 2011, resulting in an annual increase of 5.5% (95% CI: 3.8–7.3). The HCV rate increased fivefold, from 42.0 in 1998 to over 210 in 2011. These trends were observed for nearly every population subgroup. However, we did observe differences in the degree to which hepatitis during pregnancy was becoming more prevalent. The increasing national trend in the prevalence of hepatitis among pregnant women was particularly concerning among already high‐risk groups. This underscores the need for coordinated approaches—encompassing culturally‐appropriate health education/risk‐reduction programs, and increased vaccination and screening efforts—championed by health providers. J. Med. Virol. 89:1025–1032, 2017.

Tuberculosis during pregnancy in the United States: Racial/ethnic disparities in pregnancy complications and in-hospital death

Objective: Health-related Internet use and eHealth technologies, including online patient-provider communication (PPC), are continually being integrated into health care environments. This study aimed to describe sociodemographic and health- and Internet-related correlates that influence adult patients’ interest in and electronic exchange of medical information with health care providers in the United States. Methods: Nationally representative cross-sectional data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey (N = 3677) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine associations between patient-level characteristics and online PPC behavior and interests. Results: Most respondents were Internet users (82.8%), and 61.5% of information seekers designated the Internet as their first source for health information. Younger respondents (<50 years), Hispanics, those from higher-income households, and those perceiving access to personal health information as important were more likely to be interested in online PPC. Despite varying levels of patient interest, 68.5% had no online PPC in the last year. However, Internet users (odds ratio, OR = 2.87, 95% CI, 1.35-6.08), college graduates (OR = 2.92, 95% CI, 1.42-5.99), and those with frequent provider visits (OR = 1.94, 95% CI, 1.02-3.71) had a higher likelihood of online PPC via email or fax, while Hispanics and those from higher-income households were 2–3 times more likely to communicate via text messaging or phone/mobile apps. Conclusion: Patients’ interest in and display of online PPC-related behaviors vary by age, race/ethnicity, education, income, Internet access/behaviors, and information type. These findings can inform efforts aimed at improving the use and adoption of eHealth technologies, which may contribute to a reduction in communication inequalities and health care disparities.

HIV-TB Coinfection among 57 Million Pregnant Women, Obstetric Complications, Alcohol Use, Drug Abuse, and Depression

Background Despite decades of efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in the United States (US), TB still contributes to adverse ill health, especially among racial/ethnic minorities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2016, about 87% of the TB cases reported in the US were among racial and ethnic minorities. The objective of this study is to explore the risks for pregnancy complications and in-hospital death among mothers diagnosed with TB across racial/ethnic groups in the US. Methods This retrospective cohort study utilized National Inpatient Sample data for all inpatient hospital discharges in the US. We analyzed pregnancy-related hospitalizations and births in the US from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2014 (n = 57,393,459). Multivariable logistic regression was applied to generate odds ratios for the association between TB status and the primary study outcomes (i.e., pregnancy complications and in-hospital death) across racial/ethnic categories. Results The prevalence of TB was 7.1 per 100,000 pregnancy-related hospitalizations. The overall prevalence of pregnancy complications was 80% greater among TB-infected mothers than their uninfected counterparts. Severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, placenta previa, post-partum hemorrhage, sepsis and anemia occurred with greater frequency among mothers with a TB diagnosis than those without TB, irrespective of race/ethnicity. The rate of in-hospital death among TB patients was 37 times greater among TB-infected than in non-TB infected mothers (468.8 per 100,000 versus 12.6 per 100,000). A 3-fold increased risk of in-hospital death was observed among black TB-negative mothers compared to their white counterparts. No racial/ethnic disparities in maternal morbidity or in-hospital death were found among mothers with TB disease. Conclusion TB continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women in the US. Resources to address TB disease should also target pregnant women, especially racial/ethnic minorities who bear the greatest burden of the disease.

Self-reported preferences for patient and provider roles in cancer treatment decision-making in the United States

Objective HIV and tuberculosis represent diseases of major public health importance worldwide. Very little is known about HIV-TB coinfection among pregnant women, especially from industrialized settings. In this study, we examined the association between TB, HIV, and HIV-TB coinfection among pregnant mothers and obstetric complications, alcohol use, drug abuse, and depression. Method We examined inpatient hospital discharges in the United States from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2014. We employed multivariable survey logistic regression to generate adjusted estimates for the association between infection status and study outcomes. Results We analyzed approximately 57 million records of pregnant women and their delivery information. HIV-TB coinfection was associated with the highest risks for several obstetric complications, alcohol use, and drug abuse. The risk for alcohol abuse was more than twice as high among HIV-monoinfected as compared to TB-monoinfected mothers. That risk gap more than doubled with HIV-TB coinfection. Both HIV-monoinfected and HIV-TB coinfected mothers experienced similarly increased risks for depression. Conclusions Mothers with HIV-TB coinfection experienced relatively heightened risks for obstetric complications, alcohol use, and drug abuse. The findings of this study underscore the importance of augmenting and enhancing social and structural support systems for HIV-TB coinfected pregnant women.

Industry-Related Injuries in the United States From 1998 to 2011 Characteristics, Trends, and Associated Health Care Costs

Objective To describe differences in preferred roles in cancer treatment decision-making and identify associated sociodemographic and health-related factors among adults in the United States. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine associations. Results Half (48.3%) of respondents preferred a collaborative role in decision-making under the supposition of a moderate chance of survival; while 53.4% preferred a more active role when the chance of survival was low. Approximately 7%–8% indicated a preference for a passive role in decision-making, for both low and moderate chances of survival. Several predictors of role preference for cancer treatment decision-making emerged, including age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, and having a regular health care provider. At both low and moderate chances of survival, the college educated were less likely to prefer a passive role, whereas Hispanics were two to three times more likely than whites to indicate a preference for a passive role. Conclusion Adults’ role preference for cancer treatment decision-making may be influenced by sociodemographic and health-related factors. Increased awareness of these factors, paired with enhanced patient–provider communication, may assist health care professionals in providing individualized and high-quality, patient-centered cancer care.

Severe pre-eclampsia among pregnant women with sickle cell disease and HIV

Objective: To describe the trends, correlates, and healthcare costs associated with industry-related injuries across the United States between 1998 and 2011. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of hospital discharges was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample. We used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes to identify accidents occurring in industrial settings. Joinpoint regression modeling was used to analyze trends. Results: Most of the 357,716 inpatient hospitalizations were admissions from the emergency department (55%). Fractures were the most prevalent injuries (48.1%), whereas the lower and upper extremities were the most common injury sites (51.7%). The mean per admission cost of direct medical care was