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Comorbidities in Hispanic/Latino Veterans with epilepsy
Erin Sullivan-Baca1, Gabriela Tantillo2, Richard Zhou2
1Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, United States.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|June 4, 2024
Summary
Hispanic/Latino Veterans with Epilepsy (HL-VWE) experience higher rates of psychiatric conditions but not medical comorbidities compared to non-HL-VWE. This highlights a need for targeted screening and interventions to address the psychiatric disease burden in this understudied population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Epilepsy comorbidities significantly impact quality of life and outcomes.
- Hispanic/Latino Veterans with Epilepsy (HL-VWE) are an understudied population with potential differential risks.
- Understanding comorbidities in HL-VWE is crucial due to genetic, environmental, sociocultural, and care factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate medical and psychiatric comorbidities in Hispanic/Latino Veterans with Epilepsy (HL-VWE).
- To compare comorbidity profiles between HL-VWE and non-HL-VWE.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Veterans Health Administration administrative data for a nationwide cross-sectional study.
- Identified 56,556 Veterans with Epilepsy (VWE), including 5.7% HL-VWE, using ICD codes.
- Calculated Elixhauser Comorbidity Index scores and psychiatric diagnoses; employed chi-squared, t-tests, and regression analyses accounting for age.
Main Results:
- Hispanic/Latino Veterans with Epilepsy showed a higher probability of diagnoses for depression (OR 1.21) and schizophrenia (OR 1.56) after accounting for age.
- No significant differences in medical comorbidities were observed between HL-VWE and non-HL-VWE groups.
- This study represents the largest known investigation into comorbidities among Hispanic/Latino individuals with epilepsy.
Conclusions:
- Hispanic/Latino Veterans with Epilepsy have comparable medical comorbidity but higher rates of psychiatric conditions than non-HL-VWE.
- Findings underscore the need for enhanced screening and interventions for psychiatric conditions in HL-VWE.
- Addressing the psychiatric disease burden is essential for improving health outcomes in this population.
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