Geographic Variation in Preventable Hospitalizations among US Children with Autism

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health Services Research
• Health Disparities
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

• Limited research exists on geographic variations in preventable hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) in children with autism.
• Understanding these disparities is crucial for improving healthcare access and outcomes for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine US regional differences in potentially preventable hospital admissions for pediatric inpatients diagnosed with autism.
• To investigate racial and ethnic variations in these hospitalizations across different US regions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) hospital discharge data for six pediatric preventable conditions.
• Conducted multiple logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with ACSCs hospitalizations across four US regions.
• Explored variations in preventable hospitalizations among racial and ethnic groups by US census regions and divisions.

Main Results:

• Approximately 10% of 138,305 autistic inpatients (aged 2-17) had a primary diagnosis related to ACSCs.
• The highest proportion of preventable hospitalizations occurred in the Middle Atlantic division (Northeast region).
• Significant racial disparities were observed, with Black children with autism being more likely than White children to be hospitalized for ACSCs in three of the four US regions.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights significant racial disparities in potentially avoidable hospitalizations among US children with autism.
• Findings underscore the need to address health inequities in primary care access for autistic children.
• Further research is recommended to understand the underlying mechanisms and inform targeted regional policies and clinical practices.