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The Scope and Trends of Pediatric Hospitalizations in Texas, 2004-2010
Bethanie Van Horne1, Elisabeth Netherton2, Jeffrey Helton3
1School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Houston, Texas;
Insights
Pediatric hospitalizations in Texas decreased overall, with birth being the most common reason. Respiratory illnesses were common in younger children, while mental health and childbirth affected older adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Health Services Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Inpatient hospitalizations are a significant healthcare cost for pediatric populations.
- Understanding trends in pediatric hospitalizations is crucial for resource allocation and public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze demographic trends, financial costs, and prevalent diseases leading to inpatient hospitalizations for children and adolescents in Texas from 2004 to 2010.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Data were sourced from the Texas Hospital Inpatient Discharge Database.
- All pediatric hospitalizations in Texas between 2004 and 2010 were included.
Main Results:
- An average of 591,571 pediatric hospitalizations occurred annually in Texas.
- Birth was the primary reason for hospitalization (64%), followed by respiratory illnesses in children aged 1 month to 9 years.
- Hospitalizations for mental illness increased by 2.5% and were most common in ages 10-14; childbirth was most common in ages 15-17.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory illnesses are the leading cause of hospitalization for children aged 1 month to 10 years, excluding newborns.
- Mental health conditions and childbirth are the primary reasons for hospitalization in adolescents aged 10-17 years.
- Total costs for pediatric hospitalizations did not increase during the study period.
Objective:
To examine demographics and trends of financial cost and prominent diseases/conditions resulting in inpatient hospitalizations for infants, children, and adolescents in Texas between 2004 and 2010.
Methods:
Longitudinal retrospective cross-sectional study using the Texas Hospital Inpatient Discharge Database, including all pediatric hospitalizations in the state of Texas, 2004 to 2010.
Results:
Texas has an average of 591 571 pediatric hospitalizations per year. Birth was the most common reason for hospitalization, representing 64% of all pediatric hospitalization annually in Texas. Respiratory illnesses were the most common discharge diagnosis for hospitalized children ages 1 month to 9 years and demonstrated a 2% decrease over the study period. The rate of hospitalizations for digestive conditions and childbirth also demonstrated a decrease over this time frame: 4.7% and 3.0%, respectively. The rate of mental illness diagnoses increased 2.5% over the time frame and represented the most common discharge diagnosis for children aged 10 to 14. Childbirth was the most common reason for hospitalization for adolescents aged 15 to 17 years. There was no increase in total cost of pediatric hospitalizations over the time period under study.
Conclusions:
After birth, respiratory illnesses represent the most common reason for hospitalization for children (between 1 month and 10 years of age) in Texas. Mental health conditions and childbirth represent the most common reason for hospitalization for young adolescents (10-14 years) and older adolescents (15-17 years), respectively.
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