Racial disparities in health and health behaviors among gay,lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual men and women in the BRFSS-SOP

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Research on sexual minority health lack examinations of how sexual orientation intersects with other identities, including racial/ethnic identity, to shape health outcomes among U.S. adults. This study examines how health status and health behavior varies for gay, lesbian, and bisexual men and women who identify as non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaskan Native. By examining health and health behaviors within and across sexual minority subgroups, our study reports on race/ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation specific health risks.

Methods: We respond to shortcomings in current data by utilizing aggregated data from fourteen states from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) collected between 2005 and 2010 (n?=?557,773). We investigated the odds of reporting poorer health, current cigarette smoking, and obesity by sexual orientation within race/ethnic and gender subgroups; all statistical analyses were performed in 2016.

Results: Results suggest persistent health and behavior disadvantages for lesbian and bisexual women of all racial and ethnic identities, relative to heterosexuals. Some of the heightened odds are extreme. Asian/Pacific Islander lesbian (OR?=?3.92) and bisexual (OR?=?4.61) women, for example, have 4.0 times higher odds of smoking than heterosexual A/PI women. Results for men are more variable. To illustrate, the odds of obesity for White and A/PI men are indistinguishable between bisexuals and heterosexuals, and Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native bisexuals have lower odds of obesity than their heterosexual counterparts.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for policy efforts aimed at improving health and health behaviors among lesbian and bisexual women across groups, and more targeted efforts among sexual minority men.     

Nativity and language preference as drivers of health information seeking: examining differences and trends from a U.S. population-based survey

Objective: To examine differences in health information seeking between U.S.-born and foreign-born populations in the U.S.

Design: Data from 2008 to 2014 from the Health Information National Trends Survey were used in this study (n?=?15,249). Bivariate analyses, logistic regression, and predicted probabilities were used to examine health information seeking and sources of health information.

Results: Findings demonstrate that 59.3% of the Hispanic foreign-born population reported looking for health information, fewer than other racial/ethnic groups in the sample. Compared with non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black (OR?=?0.62) and Hispanic foreign-born individuals (OR?=?0.31) were the least likely to use the internet as a first source for health information. Adjustment for language preference explains much of the disparity in health information seeking between the Hispanic foreign-born population and Whites; controlling for nativity, respondents who prefer Spanish have 0.25 the odds of using the internet as a first source of health information compared to those who prefer English.

Conclusion: Foreign-born nativity and language preference are significant determinants of health information seeking. Further research is needed to better understand how information seeking patterns can influence health care use, and ultimately health outcomes. To best serve diverse racial and ethnic minority populations, health care systems, health care providers, and public health professionals must provide culturally competent health information resources to strengthen access and use by vulnerable populations, and to ensure that all populations are able to benefit from evolving health information sources in the digital age.     

COVID-19 Infection in the Veterans Health Administration: Gender-specific Racial and Ethnic Differences

PurposeRacial/ethnic minoritized groups, women, and economically disadvantaged groups are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated racial/ethnic differences by gender in correlates of COVID-19 infection among veterans seeking health care services at the Veterans Health Administration. Little is known about gender-specific factors associated with infection among veterans. This study seeks to fill this gap.MethodsThe sample was veterans with results from a COVID-19 test (polymerase chain reaction) conducted at Veterans Health Administration facilities between March 1, 2020, and August 5, 2020, and linked to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index data (39,223 women and 316,380 men). Bivariate, multivariate logistic, and predicted probability analyses were conducted. All analyses were stratified by gender.ResultsSimilar percentages of women and men tested positive for COVID-19 (9.6% vs. 10.0%). In multivariate analysis, compared with non-Hispanic White women, American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, and Hispanic women all had significantly higher odds of infection. Similar racial/ethnic differences were found for men. Both older men and women (>40 years) had lower odds of infection, but the age cut points differed (40 for women, 55 for men). Men 80 years and older had a higher odds than those aged less than 40 years of age. For men, but not for women, being employed (vs. unemployed) was associated with an increased odds of infection, and having comorbidities was associated with decreased odds. There were significant differences within and across gender-by-race/ethnicity in infection, after adjusting for covariates.ConclusionsAmerican Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic, and Black women and men veterans are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 infection. Widespread testing and tracking, education, and outreach regarding COVID-19 mitigation and vaccination efforts are recommended.     

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Nursing Home End-of-Life Care: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveHealth disparities are pervasive in nursing homes (NHs), but disparities in NH end-of-life (EOL) care (ie, hospital transfers, place of death, hospice use, palliative care, advance care planning) have not been comprehensively synthesized. We aim to identify differences in NH EOL care for racial/ethnic minority residents.DesignA systematic review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020181792).Setting and ParticipantsOlder NH residents who were terminally ill or approaching the EOL, including racial/ethnic minority NH residents.MethodsThree electronic databases were searched from 2010 to May 2020. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsEighteen articles were included, most (n = 16) were good quality and most (n = 15) used data through 2010. Studies varied in definitions and grouping of racial/ethnic minority residents. Four outcomes were identified: advance care planning (n = 10), hospice (n = 8), EOL hospitalizations (n = 6), and pain management (n = 1). Differences in EOL care were most apparent among NHs with higher proportions of Black residents. Racial/ethnic minority residents were less likely to complete advance directives. Although hospice use was mixed, Black residents were consistently less likely to use hospice before death. Hispanic and Black residents were more likely to experience an EOL hospitalization compared with non-Hispanic White residents. Racial/ethnic minority residents experienced worse pain and symptom management at the EOL; however, no articles studied specifics of palliative care (eg, spiritual care).Conclusions and ImplicationsThis review identified NH health disparities in advance care planning, EOL hospitalizations, and pain management for racial/ethnic minority residents. Research is needed that uses recent data, reflective of current NH demographic trends. To help reduce EOL disparities, language services and cultural competency training for staff should be available in NHs with higher proportions of racial/ethnic minorities.     

STD and HIV risk factors among U.S. young adults: variations by gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation

CONTEXT: STDs, including HIV, disproportionately affect individuals who have multiple minority identities. Understanding differences in STD risk factors across racial, ethnic and sexual minority groups, as well as genders, is important for tailoring public health interventions. METHODS: Data from Waves 3 (2001–2002) and 4 (2007–2008) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used to develop population‐based estimates of STD and HIV risk factors among 11,045 young adults (mean age, 29 at Wave 4), by gender, race and ethnicity, and sexual orientation (heterosexual, mixed‐oriented, gay). Regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between risk factors and young adults’ characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, sexual‐minority women in each racial or ethnic group had a higher prevalence of sexual risk behaviors—including a history of multiple partners, forced sex and incarceration—than their heterosexual counterparts. Mixed‐oriented women in each racial or ethnic group were more likely than heterosexual white women to have received an STD diagnosis (odds ratios, 1.8–6.4). Black men and sexual‐minority men also appeared to be at heightened risk. Gay men in all racial and ethnic groups were significantly more likely than heterosexual white men to report having received an STD diagnosis (2.3–8.3); compared with heterosexual white men, mixed‐oriented black men had the highest odds of having received such a diagnosis (15.2). CONCLUSIONS: Taking account of multiple minority identities should be an important part of future research and intervention efforts for STD and HIV prevention.     

Sexual and behavioral health disparities among African American sexual minority men and women

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Sexual and behavioral health disparities have been consistently demonstrated between African American and White adults and between sexual minority and heterosexual communities in the United States; however, few studies using nationally representative samples have examined disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual adults within African American populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of sexual and behavioral health outcomes between sexual minority and heterosexual African American adults and to examine whether there were different patterns of disparities for African American sexual minority men and women, respectively.

Methods: We analyzed data from 4502 African American adults who participated in the 2001–2015 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using multivariable analyses, we examined differences in HIV, sexually transmitted infections, mental health, and substance use among African American sexual minority and heterosexual men and women.

Results: After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, African American sexual minority men had significantly higher odds of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and poor mental health compared to their heterosexual male counterparts, whereas African American sexual minority women had significantly higher odds of Hepatitis C, poor mental health, and substance use compared to their heterosexual female counterparts.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate notable sexual orientation disparities among African American adults. Disparities persisted beyond the role of sociodemographic factors, suggesting that further research utilizing an intersectional approach is warranted to understand the social determinants of adverse health outcomes among African American sexual minority men and women.     

Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake: A mediation framework

BackgroundPrevious research suggests that racial and ethnic minority groups especially Black Americans showed stronger COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance, which may result from a lack of trust toward the government and vaccine manufacturers, among other sociodemographic and health factors.ObjectivesThe current study explored potential social and economic, clinical, and psychological factors that may have mediated racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among US adults.MethodsA sample of 6078 US individuals was selected from a national longitudinal survey administered in 2020–2021. Baseline characteristics were collected in December 2020, and respondents were followed up to July 2021. Racial and ethnic disparities in time to vaccine initiation and completion (based on a 2-dose regimen) were first assessed with the Kaplan-Meier Curve and log-rank test, and then explored with the Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for potential time-varying mediators, such as education, income, marital status, chronic health conditions, trust in vaccine development and approval processes, and perceived risk of infection.ResultsPrior to mediator adjustment, Black and Hispanic Americans had slower vaccine initiation and completion than Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and White Americans (p’s < 0.0001). After accounting for the mediators, there were no significant differences in vaccine initiation or completion between each minoritized group as compared to White Americans. Education, household income, marital status, chronic health conditions, trust, and perceived infection risk were potential mediators.ConclusionRacial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake were mediated through social and economic conditions, psychological influences, and chronic health conditions. To address the racial and ethnic inequity in vaccination, it is important to target the social, economic, and psychological forces behind it.     

Disparities in Sexually Transmitted Infection/HIV Testing,Contraception, and Emergency Contraception Care Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Women Who Are Racial/Ethnic Minorities

PurposeSexual minority women and racial/ethnic minority women in the United States are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Yet, we know little about STI/HIV testing and contraceptive care among women who have sex with women only and women who have sex with both women and men, and who are racial/ethnic minorities. This study examined receipt of STI/HIV testing and contraceptive care among sexually active adolescent women by sex of sexual contact(s) and race/ethnicity.MethodsOur sample included 2,149 sexually active adolescent women from the National Survey of Family Growth (2011–2019). We examined receipt of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services by sex of sexual contact(s) and race/ethnicity: STI and HIV testing, contraceptive counseling, contraceptive method, emergency contraception (EC) counseling, and EC method.ResultsService receipt was low for all adolescent women, with disparities by sex of sexual contact(s) and by race/ethnicity. Women who have sex with women only had the lowest rates across all services; women who have sex with both women and men had higher rates of STI and HIV testing and EC counseling than women who have sex with men only. Non-Hispanic Black women had higher rates of STI and HIV testing than non-Hispanic White peers, and non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women had lower rates of contraception method receipt than their non-Hispanic White peers. Racial/ethnic disparities persisted when results were stratified by sex of sexual contact(s).DiscussionThere is an unmet need for improved SRH service delivery for all adolescent women and for services that are not biased by sex of sexual contact(s) and race/ethnicity.     

Effects of the Medicare Part D Comprehensive Medication Review on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Medication Adherence

BackgroundSubstantial research has documented inequalities between US minorities and whites in meeting the eligibility criteria for the Medicare Part D medication therapy management (MTM) program. Even though the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services attempted to relax the eligibility criteria, a critical barrier to effective MTM reform is a lack of stronger evidence about the effects of MTM on minorities'' health outcomes.ObjectiveTo examine the effects of comprehensive medication review (CMR), an MTM core component, on racial and ethnic disparities in adherence to diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia medications among Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years.MethodsThis study used full-year 2017 Medicare Parts A, B, and D claims data, including MTM data, linked to the Area Health Resources Files. Racial and ethnic disparities in nonadherence to diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia medications were compared between CMR recipients and nonrecipients matched by their propensity scores. To determine the changes in racial and ethnic disparities after receiving CMR, a difference-in-differences framework was applied, by including in logistic regression analyses interaction terms between dummy variables for CMR receipt and each racial or ethnic minority group.ResultsCompared with CMR nonrecipients, CMR recipients had significantly lower racial and ethnic disparities across the 3 outcome measures, with the exception of the difference between whites and blacks in nonadherence to diabetes medications. For example, compared with CMR nonrecipients, among CMR recipients the differences in the odds of nonadherence to hypertension medications were reduced, respectively, by 8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.96) between whites and blacks; by 18% (95% CI, 0.78–0.86) between whites and Hispanics; by 16% (95% CI, 0.77–0.91) between whites and Asians; and by 9% (95% CI, 0.85–0.98) between whites and other racial and ethnic groups.ConclusionReceiving a CMR reduced the racial and ethnic disparities in adherence to diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia medications among Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years. These findings provide critical empirical evidence that may inform the future design of the Medicare Part D MTM program, which is valuable for improving pharmacotherapy outcomes and could further realize its potential when additional people from racial and ethnic minorities are enrolled.     

Race and health profiles in the United States: an examination of the social gradient through the 2009 CHIS adult survey

ObjectiveTo examine the role of the social gradient on multiple health outcomes and behaviors. It was predicted that higher levels of SES, measured by educational attainment and family income, would be associated with positive health behaviors (i.e., smoking, drinking, physical activity, and diet) and health status (i.e., limited physical activity due to chronic condition, blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, BMI, and perceived health condition). The study also examined the differential effects of the social gradient in health among different racial/ethnic groups (i.e., non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks, Asian, Hispanics, and American Indians).Study designCross-sectional study.MethodsThe data were from the adult 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Weighted multivariable linear and logistic regression models were conducted to examine trends found between SES and health conditions and health behaviors. Polynomial trends were examined for all linear and logistic models to test for the possible effects (linear, quadratic, and cubic) of the social gradient on health behaviors and outcomes stratified by race/ethnicity.ResultsFindings indicated that, in general, Whites had more favorable health profiles in comparison to other racial/ethnic groups with the exception of Asians who were likely to be as healthy as or healthier than Whites. Predicted marginals indicated that Asians in the upper two strata of social class display the healthiest outcomes of health status among all other racial/ethnic groups. Also, the social gradient was differentially associated with health outcomes across race/ethnicity groups. While the social gradient was most consistently observed for Whites, education did not have the same protective effect on health among Blacks and American Indians. Also, compared to other minority groups, Hispanics and Asians were more likely to display curvilinear trends of the social gradient: an initial increase from low SES to mid-level SES was associated with worse health outcomes and behaviors; however, continued increase from mid-SES to high SES saw returns to healthy outcomes and behaviors.ConclusionThe study contributes to the literature by illustrating unique patterns and trends of the social gradient across various racial/ethnic populations in a nationally representative sample. Future studies should further explore temporal trends to track the impact of the social gradient for different racial and ethnic populations in tandem with indices of national income inequalities.     

Racial and ethnic disparities in sexual risk behaviors and STDs during young men's transition to adulthood

CONTEXT: Racial and ethnic health disparities are an important issue in the United States. The extent to which racial and ethnic differences in STDs among youth are related to differences in socioeconomic characteristics and risky sexual behaviors requires investigation. METHODS: Data from three waves of the National Survey of Adolescent Males (1988, 1990–1991 and 1995) were used to examine 1,880 young men’s history of STDs and their patterns and trajectories of sexual risk behavior during adolescence and early adulthood. Multinomial and logistic regression analyses were conducted to test whether racial and ethnic differences in STDs are due to the lower socioeconomic status and higher levels of risky sexual behavior among minority groups. RESULTS: Young black men reported the highest rates of sexual risk and STDs at each wave and across waves. Compared with white men, black and Latino men had higher odds of maintaining high sexual risk and increasing sexual risk over time (odds ratios, 1.7–1.9). In multivariate analyses controlling for socioeconomic characteristics, black men were more likely than white men to have a history of STDs (3.2–5.0); disparities persisted in analyses controlling for level of risky sexual behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Race and ethnicity continue to differentiate young black and Latino men from their white peers in terms of STDs. Prevention programs that target different racial and ethnic subgroups of adolescent men and address both individual‐ and contextual‐level factors are needed to curb STD incidence.     

Ethnic group differences in cardiovascular risk assessment scores: national cross-sectional study

Objectives. There are marked inequalities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and outcomes between ethnic groups. CVD risk scores are increasingly used in preventive medicine and should aim to accurately reflect differences between ethnic groups. Ethnicity, as an independent risk factor for CVD, can be accounted for in CVD risk scores primarily using two methods, either directly incorporating it as a risk factor in the algorithm or through a post hoc adjustment of risk. We aim to compare these two methods in terms of their prediction of CVD across ethnic groups using representative national data from England.

Design. A cross-sectional study using data from the Health Survey for England. We measured ethnic group differences in risk estimation between the QRISK2, which includes ethnicity and Joint British Societies 2 (JBS2) algorithm, which uses post hoc risk adjustment factor for South Asian men.

Results. The QRISK2 score produces lower median estimates of CVD risk than JBS2 overall (6.6% [lower quartile–upper quartile (LQ-UQ) = 4.0–18.6] compared with 9.3% [LQ-UQ = 2.3–16.9]). Differences in median risk scores are significantly greater in South Asian men (7.5% [LQ-UQ = 3.6–12.5]) compared with White men (3.0% [LQ-UQ = 0.7–5.9]). Using QRISK2, 19.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 16.2–22.0] fewer South Asian men are designated at high risk compared with 8.8% (95% CI = 5.9–7.8) fewer in White men. Across all ethnic groups, women had a lower median QRISK2 score (0.72 [LQ-UQ = ? 0.6 to 2.13]), although relatively more (2.0% [95% CI = 1.4–2.6]) were at high risk than with JBS2.

Conclusions. Ethnicity is an important CVD risk factor. Current scoring tools used in the UK produce significantly different estimates of CVD risk within ethnic groups, particularly in South Asian men. Work to accurately estimate CVD risk in ethnic minority groups is important if CVD prevention programmes are to address health inequalities.     

Health and use of health services: a comparison between Gypsies and Travellers and other ethnic groups

Objectives. To examine the health status of adults from black and minority ethnic groups and from a socio-economically mixed White population, all resident in England.

Design. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey using validated standardised health measures of a sample of Gypsies and Travellers, Pakistani Muslims, African Caribbean, and White adults living in five geographical locations. Health outcomes included general health, health in the past year, limiting long-term illness, anxiety, depression, respiratory symptoms and angina.

Results. Of the 520 recruited age–sex matched sample (260 Gypsies and Travellers matched with 260 Pakistani Muslims, African Caribbean, and White residents), 516 were included in this analysis (173 men, 343 women). There were no differences by age between the four groups but men were approximately four years older than women. There were significant statistical differences in smoking status and educational attendance with more Gypsies and Travellers being current smokers (58% (95% confidence interval (CI) 52, 64) versus 25% (14, 38) or lower in the other groups) and having poorer regular educational attendance (61% (54, 68) versus 89% (77, 96) or higher in the other groups). For all health outcomes examined, Gypsies and Travellers had significantly poorer outcomes (after adjustment for age, sex and smoking status) compared with the White population. The health status of the Pakistani Muslims and African Caribbeans was similar to that of the Gypsies and Travellers for health in the past year, asthma, and depression, but other outcomes (cough, sputum) were significantly less prevalent. There were also significant differences in specific outcomes between African Caribbean and Pakistani Muslim populations. Consultations with various health professionals and use of health services varied between the groups.

Conclusion. Being a Gypsy or Traveller is associated with even poorer health outcomes than those seen in two other ethnic minority groups resident in England, Pakistani Muslim and African Caribbean, and they in turn have poorer health outcomes than the White residents. More remains to be done to address the health and health service needs of such black and minority ethnic groups.     

Changes in racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes by obesity level among US adults

Objective. Ethnic minority status and obesity are two independent risk factors for Type 2 diabetes (T2D). There is no clear understanding of how they may have interacted and influenced disparities in T2D prevalence over time. This study examined the trends in racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of T2D by weight status among US adults.

Methods. We used nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys I (1971–1975), II (1976–1980), and III (1988–1994), and 1999–2004 among 49,574 adults aged 20–74 years. The prevalences of diagnosed and undiagnosed T2D were estimated by race/ethnicity groups (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Mexican American) and body mass index (BMI) groups (normal, 18.5–24.9; overweight, 25–29.9; obese, 30–34.9; severely obese, ≥35). We used logistic regression controlling for age, gender, and education to estimate the odds ratio of T2D across race/ethnicity and BMI groups.

Results. Trends in racial/ethnic disparities in prevalence of diagnosed T2D varied by BMI. Normal weight group saw increasing racial disparities. In the overweight group, ethnic disparities worsened as diabetes prevalence increased 33.3% in Whites, compared to 60.0% in Blacks, and 227.3% in Mexican Americans. Minimal racial/ethnic disparities were observed in obese and severely obese groups over time. In contrast to diagnosed diabetes, overall racial/ethnic disparities in undiagnosed T2D declined in all BMI groups.

Conclusions. Racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes prevalence have become most pronounced among normal and overweight groups. Eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes will require prevention efforts not only in obese minority individuals, but also in normal and overweight minority individuals.     

Disparities in national and state estimates of COVID-19 vaccination receipt and intent to vaccinate by race/ethnicity,income, and age group among adults ≥ 18 years,United States

IntroductionCOVID-19 morbidity and mortality has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations such as minority racial/ethnic groups. Understanding disparities in vaccine intentions and reasons for vaccine hesitancy are important for developing effective strategies for ameliorating racial/ethnic COVID-19 inequities.MethodsUsing six waves of the large, nationally representative Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey data from January 6-March 29, 2021 (n = 459,235), we examined national and state estimates for vaccination intent, defined as receipt of ≥ 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or definite intent to be vaccinated, by race/ethnicity with stratification by household income and age group. In separate logistic regression models, we also examined the interaction between race/ethnicity and household income, and race/ethnicity and age group, and its association with vaccination intent. Lastly, we examined reasons for not vaccinating by race/ethnicity.ResultsVaccination intent differed by racial/ethnic group, household income, and age group nationally and by Health and Human Services (HHS) region and state. A significant interaction was observed between race/ethnicity and household income (F(8,72) = 4.50, p < 0.001), and race/ethnicity and age group (F(8,72) = 15.66, p < 0.001). Non-Hispanic Black adults with lower income (<$35,000) and younger age (18–49 years) were least likely to intend to vaccinate. Similar disparities across racial/ethnic groups were seen across most HHS regions and states. Concerns about possible side effects and effectiveness were significantly higher among all minority groups compared to non-Hispanic White adults.ConclusionDisparities in vaccination intent by racial/ethnic groups underscore the need for interventions and recommendations designed to improve vaccination coverage and confidence in underserved communities, such as younger and lower income racial/ethnic minority groups. Efforts to reduce disparities and barriers to vaccination are needed to achieve equity in vaccination coverage, and ultimately, to curb COVID-19 transmission.     

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Risk Factors Associated With Severe COVID-19 Among Older Adults With ADRD

ObjectiveTo examine racial/ethnic differences in risk factors, and their associations with COVID-19–related outcomes among older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).DesignObservational study.Setting and ParticipantsNational Medicare claims data and the Minimum Data Set 3.0 from April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, were linked in this study. We included community-dwelling fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with ADRD, diagnosed with COVID-19 between April 1, 2020, and December 1, 2020 (N = 138,533).MethodsTwo outcome variables were defined: hospitalization within 14 days and death within 30 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. We obtained information on individual sociodemographic characteristics, chronic conditions, and prior health care utilization based on the Medicare claims and the Minimum Dataset. Machine learning methods, including lasso regression and discriminative pattern mining, were used to identify risk factors in racial/ethnic subgroups (ie, White, Black, and Hispanic individuals). The associations between identified risk factors and outcomes were evaluated using logistic regression and compared across racial/ethnic subgroups using the coefficient comparison approach.ResultsWe found higher risks of COVID-19–related outcomes among Black and Hispanic individuals. The areas under the curve of the models with identified risk factors were 0.65 to 0.68 for mortality and 0.61 to 0.62 for hospitalization across racial/ethnic subgroups. Although some identified risk factors (eg, age, gender) for COVID-19–related outcomes were common among all racial/ethnic subgroups, other risk factors (eg, hypertension, obesity) varied by racial/ethnic subgroups. Furthermore, the associations between some common risk factors and COVID-19–related outcomes also varied by race/ethnicity. Being male was related to 138.2% (95% CI: 1.996–2.841), 64.7% (95% CI: 1.546–1.755), and 37.1% (95% CI: 1.192–1.578) increased odds of death among Hispanic, White, and Black individuals, respectively. In addition, the racial/ethnic disparity in COVID-19–related outcomes could not be completely explained by the identified risk factors.Conclusions and ImplicationsRacial/ethnic differences were detected in the likelihood of having COVID-19–related outcomes, specific risk factors, and relationships between specific risk factors and COVID-19–related outcomes. Future research is needed to elucidate the reasons for these differences.     

Psychiatric Risk in Unstably Housed Sexual Minority Women: Relationship between Sexual and Racial Minority Status and Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Psychiatric Diagnoses

BackgroundStress associated with minority statuses has been linked to mental health disorders. However, research conducted exclusively among impoverished women, a population known to be at risk for poor health owing to overlapping risks, is sparse. We sought to determine if homeless and unstably housed sexual minority (i.e., nonheterosexual) women were at greater psychiatric risk than their heterosexual counterparts. We also sought to determine if racial/ethnic minority and human immunodeficiency virus status contributed to psychiatric risks.MethodsHomeless/unstably housed women living in San Francisco between 2008 and 2010 were followed biannually over 3 years. Generalized estimating equation analysis identified significant correlates of any substance use, mood, or anxiety disorder, as well as the total number of psychiatric disorders.ResultsAmong 300 women, 24% reported nonheterosexual identity at the first study visit. Consistent with minority stress theory, lesbian and bisexual identity were associated with higher levels of mental health comorbidity, and bisexual identity was related to greater rates of substance use disorders and mood disorders. Unique to this study, we found that identity assessed 1 or 2 years prior does not predict current substance disorders, but current identity does. In addition, women who were infected with the human immunodeficiency virus also had higher rates of mental health comorbidity and substance use disorders. Contrary to psychosocial stress theory, racial/ethnic minority status was associated with reduced odds of substance use disorder in this population. Recent homelessness was related to greater risk of anxiety disorder.ConclusionsBest research and health care practices should include the assessment of sexual orientation and housing status when addressing risks for mental health and substance disorders among low-income women.     

Ethnic and racial differences in HPV knowledge and vaccine intentions among men receiving HPV test results

We examined factors associated with HPV vaccine intentions by racial/ethnic group among men participating in a HPV natural history study. HPV knowledge, vaccine intentions and perceived barriers were assessed among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men. Men were tested for HPV every 6 months. After receiving test results from their previous visit, participants (N = 477) reported their intentions for HPV vaccination in a computer-assisted survey instrument (CASI). Vaccine intentions were high among all respondents, although differences were found between racial and ethnic groups in awareness and knowledge of HPV and, vaccine intentions and perceived access and barriers to receiving the HPV vaccine. In order to effectively disseminate the vaccine among men, factors that may promote or inhibit vaccine acceptability need to be identified. Identifying these factors related to vaccine intentions among minority and majority men offers an opportunity for addressing barriers to health equity and, in turn, reductions in HPV-related disparities.