Revista de informática médica y de salud

Racial Disparities in the Utilization of Prophylactic Vaccinations and Inoculations in the U.S. Hospitals

Abstract

Mohammad A Faysel and Rachel T Assenza

Objective: To examine racial disparities in the in-hospital utilization of frequently performed prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations in the U.S. Methods: Using 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data, unadjusted Relative Risks (RRs) were calculated to compare the use of prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations between White and Black; White and Hispanic; White and Asian or Pacific Islander; and White and Native American for live birth; asthma; short gestation, low birth weight and fetal growth retardation; and other perinatal conditions. RRs were also calculated using patients’ insurance statuses to further verify procedure use among new-borns. Results: Whites were significantly less likely to receive prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations than all other races for live birth (p<0.0001), and asthma (p<0.05). Overall, White new-borns were also significantly less likely to receive prophylactic vaccinations than most of new-borns of other races when insurance status was compared. Conclusion: Whites were less likely than other races to receive prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations in the U.S. hospitals.