Racial and Ethnic Differences of Influenza-Associated Pediatric Hospitalizations and Deaths, 2008-2017

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Health Disparities Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Influenza is a significant cause of acute respiratory illness in children, with complications leading to substantial morbidity and mortality.
• Existing pediatric data on influenza disparities among racial and ethnic minorities is limited.
• Understanding these disparities is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate racial and ethnic differences in hospitalizations and mortality among children diagnosed with influenza.
• To identify potential disparities in the impact of influenza on diverse pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2008 to 2017.
• Inclusion criteria: children aged 18 years and younger hospitalized with influenza or its subtypes.
• Statistical analysis involved generating adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess associations between race/ethnicity and outcomes.

Main Results:

• A total of 226,535 influenza-associated hospitalizations were identified.
• Compared to non-Hispanic White children, minority children exhibited higher odds of influenza hospitalization: Hispanics (aOR=1.25), non-Hispanic Blacks (aOR=1.21), and non-Hispanic Others (aOR=1.11).
• No significant racial or ethnic differences were observed in influenza-related mortality.

Conclusions:

• Minority children are more likely to be hospitalized for influenza, indicating disparities in healthcare access or management.
• While hospitalization rates differ, influenza-related mortality did not show significant racial or ethnic disparities in this cohort.
• Further research is essential to address and mitigate the identified racial and ethnic disparities in pediatric influenza outcomes.