Project description:Background and aimsHCC is characterized by racial/ethnic disparities in rates. Recent USA reports suggest that incidence has begun to decline, but it is not clear whether the declines have occurred among all groups, nor whether mortality has declined. Thus, the current study examined USA incidence and mortality between 1992 and 2018.Approach & resultsHCC incidence and incidence-based mortality data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program were used to calculate age-standardized rates by race/ethnicity, sex, and age. Trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent change (APC). Age-period-cohort models assessed the effects on trends of age, calendar period, and birth cohort. Overall, HCC incidence significantly declined between 2015 and 2018 (APC, -5.6%). Whereas most groups experienced incidence declines, the trends were most evident among Asians/Pacific Islanders, women, and persons <50 years old. Exceptions were the rates among non-Hispanic Black persons, which did not significantly decline (APC, -0.7), and among American Indians/Alaska Natives, which significantly increased (APC, +4.3%). Age-period-cohort modeling found that birth cohort had a greater effect on rates than calendar period. Among the baby boom cohorts, the 1950-1954 cohort had the highest rates. Similar to the overall incidence decline, HCC mortality rates declined between 2013 and 2018 (APC, -2.2%).ConclusionsHCC incidence and mortality rates began to decline for most groups in 2015, but persistent differences in rates continued to exist. Rates among non-Hispanic Black persons did not decline significantly, and rates among American Indians/Alaska Natives significantly increased, suggesting that greater effort is needed to reduce the HCC burden among these vulnerable groups.
Project description:ImportanceEvidence suggests that maternal mortality has been increasing in the US. Comprehensive estimates do not exist. Long-term trends in maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) for all states by racial and ethnic groups were estimated.ObjectiveTo quantify trends in MMRs (maternal deaths per 100 000 live births) by state for 5 mutually exclusive racial and ethnic groups using a bayesian extension of the generalized linear model network.Design, setting, and participantsObservational study using vital registration and census data from 1999 to 2019 in the US. Pregnant or recently pregnant individuals aged 10 to 54 years were included.Main outcomes and measuresMMRs.ResultsIn 2019, MMRs in most states were higher among American Indian and Alaska Native and Black populations than among Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander; Hispanic; and White populations. Between 1999 and 2019, observed median state MMRs increased from 14.0 (IQR, 5.7-23.9) to 49.2 (IQR, 14.4-88.0) among the American Indian and Alaska Native population, 26.7 (IQR, 18.3-32.9) to 55.4 (IQR, 31.6-74.5) among the Black population, 9.6 (IQR, 5.7-12.6) to 20.9 (IQR, 12.1-32.8) among the Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander population, 9.6 (IQR, 6.9-11.6) to 19.1 (IQR, 11.6-24.9) among the Hispanic population, and 9.4 (IQR, 7.4-11.4) to 26.3 (IQR, 20.3-33.3) among the White population. In each year between 1999 and 2019, the Black population had the highest median state MMR. The American Indian and Alaska Native population had the largest increases in median state MMRs between 1999 and 2019. Since 1999, the median of state MMRs has increased for all racial and ethnic groups in the US and the American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander; and Black populations each observed their highest median state MMRs in 2019.Conclusion and relevanceWhile maternal mortality remains unacceptably high among all racial and ethnic groups in the US, American Indian and Alaska Native and Black individuals are at increased risk, particularly in several states where these inequities had not been previously highlighted. Median state MMRs for the American Indian and Alaska Native and Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander populations continue to increase, even after the adoption of a pregnancy checkbox on death certificates. Median state MMR for the Black population remains the highest in the US. Comprehensive mortality surveillance for all states via vital registration identifies states and racial and ethnic groups with the greatest potential to improve maternal mortality. Maternal mortality persists as a source of worsening disparities in many US states and prevention efforts during this study period appear to have had a limited impact in addressing this health crisis.
Project description:The effect of risk factors on ovarian cancer differs by histotype, and the prevalence of such risk factors varies by race/ethnicity. It is not clear how ovarian cancer incidence has changed over time by histotype and race/ethnicity. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER-12) 1992-2019 data to examine the trend of ovarian cancer incidence for three histotypes (high-grade serous N = 19,691, endometrioid N = 3,212, and clear cell N = 3,275) and four racial/ethnic groups (Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White). Joinpoint and age-period-cohort analyses were conducted to analyze ovarian cancer incidence trends. High-grade serous cancer was the most common histotype, but its incidence has significantly decreased over time for all racial/ethnic groups; the decrease was largest for non-Hispanic White women (average annual percent change AAPC during 2010-2019 = -6.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), -8.0 to -4.2). Conversely, clear cell cancer was most common in the Asian/Pacific Islanders, and its incidence has increased over time, particularly among Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander women (AAPC during 2010-2019 = 2.8; 95% CI, 0.8 to 4.7, and AAPC = 1.5; 95% CI, 0.7 to 2.2, respectively). Endometrioid cancer incidence has decreased in non-Hispanic White but increased in Hispanic women (AAPC during 2010-2019 = -1.3; 95% CI, -1.9 to -0.8, and AAPC = 3.6; 95% CI, 1.0 to 6.3, respectively). The differential incidence trends by histotype and race/ethnicity underscore the need to monitor incidence and risk factor trends across different groups and develop targeted preventive interventions to reduce the burden of ovarian cancer and disparity by race/ethnicity.SignificanceDuring 1992-2019, high-grade serous ovarian cancer incidence has decreased while clear cell cancer incidence has increased regardless of race/ethnicity. Endometrioid cancer incidence has decreased in non-Hispanic White but increased in Hispanic women. Differential ovarian cancer incidence trends highlight the need for targeted preventive interventions by histotype and race/ethnicity.
Project description:BackgroundMinority groups generally experience more disparities than whites in behavioral healthcare use. The population of racial/ethnic groups is growing faster than whites. Given increased concerns of cannabis use (CU) and its associations with health conditions, we examined national trends in cannabis use disorder (CUD) among adults aged ≥18 by race/ethnicity.MethodsData were from the 2005-2013 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (N=340,456). We compared CU patterns and the conditional prevalence of CUD among cannabis users by race/ethnicity to understand racial/ethnic variations in CUD.ResultsApproximately 1.5% of adults met criteria for a CUD in the past year. Regardless of survey year, cannabis dependence was more common than cannabis abuse, representing 66% of adults with a CUD. Across racial/ethnic groups, the prevalence of cannabis abuse and dependence remained stable during 2005-2013. In the total adult sample, the odds of weekly CU, monthly CU, and cannabis dependence were greater among blacks, native-Americans, and mixed-race adults than whites. Among cannabis users, the odds of cannabis abuse and dependence were greater among blacks, native-Americans, and Hispanics than whites. Logistic regression controlling for age, sex, education, and survey year indicated an increased trend in monthly CU and weekly CU in the total sample and among past-year cannabis users. Younger age, male sex, and low education were associated with increased odds of cannabis dependence.ConclusionsThe large sample provides robust information that indicates a need for research to monitor CUD and identify culturally appropriate interventions especially for targeting minority populations.
Project description:ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine trends and racial/ethnic disparities in antibiotic prescribing practices of dentists in the United States.MethodsThe US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data for 1996-2013 was analyzed. Information on patient sociodemographic characteristics, dental visits, receipt of dental procedures, and type of antibiotics prescribed following visits was obtained. Descriptive statistics were calculated separately for each year. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associations during the period with and without adjustment for dental procedures and sociodemographic characteristics. Survey weights were incorporated to handle the sampling design.ResultsNationally, the number of antibiotic prescribed at dental visits was estimated to be higher by 842,749 (0.4 percent) at year 2013 compared to the prescription level at 2003 were the population sociodemographic distribution kept at 2013 level. On average, the odds of prescribing antibiotics following dental care increased with each decade of study (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: [1.04, 1.17]) after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and receipt of dental procedures. Compared to Whites, Blacks had 21 percent (95% CI: 11%, 31%) higher odds of receiving a prescription for antibiotics from a dentist after adjusting for dental procedure and other sociodemographic characteristics.ConclusionsThe prescription of antibiotics following dental visits increased over time after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and dental procedure. The probability of being prescribed antibiotics by dentists was higher for Blacks compared to Whites.
Project description:BackgroundEsophageal cancer (EC) incidence rates overall have declined in recent decades; however, the two main subtypes, esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), show divergent secular trends.MethodsAge-adjusted EC incidence rates were calculated using data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 12 Program. We examined secular trends from 1992 to 2019 overall and by age group, sex, race/ethnicity, tumor location, and SEER registry. Joinpoint regression was used to compute annual percent changes (APC) and average annual percent changes (AAPC). We used age-period-cohort models to examine the potential impact of period and birth cohort effects on trends.ResultsBetween 1992 and 2019, overall EC incidence rates declined by 0.54% annually (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.75%, -0.33%). While ESCC rates declined linearly throughout the study period (AAPC = -2.85; 95%CI: -3.05%, -2.65%), EAC rates increased by over 5% annually from 1992 to 2000 (APC = 5.17; 95%CI: 3.28%, 7.10%), before stabilizing from 2000 to 2019 (APC = 0.22; 95%CI: -0.16%, 0.60%). Trends in ESCC and EAC varied by age group, sex, and race/ethnicity. Relative to ESCC rates among cohorts born circa 1950, the rates were 81% lower in cohorts born circa 1985 (rate ratio, 0.19; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.96). For EAC, rates have remained stable across successive birth cohorts since 1950.ConclusionsWe observed linear declines in EC rates overall and for ESCC across age, sex, and race/ethnicity subgroups, but an inconsistent pattern for EAC. The trends in EAC cohorts born after 1955 were stable and suggest that EAC rates may have peaked in the U.S.
Project description:BackgroundAs overdose deaths continue to rise, public health officials need comprehensive surveillance data to design effective prevention, harm reduction, and treatment strategies. Disparities across race and ethnicity groups, as well as trends in substance use, treatment, or overdose deaths, have been examined individually, but reports rarely compare findings across multiple substances or data sources.ObjectiveTo provide a broad assessment of the overdose crisis, we describe trends in substance use, treatment, and overdose mortality across racial and ethnic groups for multiple substances.Research designWe conducted a longitudinal, cross-sectional analysis comparing trends.SubjectsWe identified self-reported use from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, substance use treatment admissions from the Treatment Episode Data Set-Admissions, and overdose deaths from the CDC's Multiple Cause of Death files.MeasuresWe measured rates of substance use, treatment, and deaths involving heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine among United States adults from 2010 to 2019.ResultsHeroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine use increased, though not all changes were statistically significant. Treatment admissions indicating heroin and methamphetamine increased while admissions indicating cocaine decreased. Overdose deaths increased among all groups: methamphetamine (257%-1,115%), heroin (211%-577%), and cocaine (88%-259%). Changes in rates of use, treatment, and death for specific substances varied by racial and ethnic group.ConclusionsSubstance use, treatment, and overdose mortality changed considerably, though not always equivalently. Identifying diverging trends in substance-related measures for specific substances and racial and ethnic groups can inform targeted investment in treatment to reduce disparities and respond to emerging changes in the overdose crisis.
Project description:BackgroundLeukemia is a cancer of the early-forming cells. Over the past decade, leukemia racial/ethnic disparities have been documented in the United States of America (USA). Although the Puerto Rican population in the USA represents the second-largest Hispanic population in the nation, most of the existing studies do not include Puerto Rico. We compared the incidence and mortality rates for leukemia and its subtypes in Puerto Rico and four racial/ethnic groups in the USA.MethodsWe used data from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (2015-2019). The racial/ethnic groups studied were non-Hispanic whites (NHW), non-Hispanic blacks (NHB), Hispanics (USH), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (NHAPI) living in the USA and the Puerto Rico population. We calculated the incidence and mortality rates. The relative risk of developing or dying due to leukemia was also calculated.ResultsCompared with Puerto Rico, NHW [standardized incidence rate (SIR) = 1.47; 95%CI = 1.40-1.53; standardized mortality rates (SMR) = 1.55; 95%CI = 1.45-1.65)] and NHB (SIR = 1.09; 95%CI = 1.04-1.15; SMR = 1.27; 95%CI = 1.19-1.35) had higher incidence and mortality rates; but lower than the NHAPI (SIR = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.74-0.82; SMR = 0.83; 95%CI = 0.77-0.89); and similar to USH. However, we found differences among leukemia subtypes. For example, NHAPI and USH had lower risk of developing chronic leukemias than Puerto Rico. We found a lower risk to develop acute lymphocytic leukemia in NHB than in Puerto Rico.ConclusionsOur study provides a better understanding of leukemia's racial/ethnic disparities and fills a knowledge gap by examining the incidence and mortality rates in Puerto Rico. Future studies are needed to better understand the factors influencing the differences found in the incidence and mortality of leukemia among different racial/ethnic groups.
Project description:PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence of gastric cancer and their temporal trends in the United States.Materials and methodsUsing data from 13 cancer registries in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End results database, we assessed such disparities during 1992-2014 in the United States using a variety of disparity metrics.ResultsThe age-standardized incidence rate of non-cardia gastric cancer was highest in Asian and Pacific Islanders, while the incidence of cardia gastric was highest in non-Hispanic whites in men and was similarly low in all groups in women. The incidence of non-cardia gastric cancer decreased in all groups over time, particularly in Asian and Pacific Islanders (on average by 3% per year). The incidence of cardia gastric remained relatively stable in virtually all racial/ethnic groups. The racial and ethnic disparities in gastric cancer incidence steadily decreased over time as measured on the absolute scale, which was mainly driven by the reduced disparities in non-cardia gastric cancer. The range difference in the incidence of gastric cancer decreased on average by 4.1% per year in men and by 2.6% per year in women from 1992 to 2014. The between group variance decreased by 5.6% per year in men and by 3.4% per year in women. The relative-scale disparity measures generally remained stable over time.ConclusionThis study demonstrates decreased racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence of gastric cancer over time in the United States, particularly as measured on the absolute scale.