Vaccine-Preventable Conditions: Disparities in Hospitalizations Affecting Rural Communities in the Southeast United...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Vaccinations are crucial for preventing infections, yet high hospitalization rates for vaccine-preventable diseases persist.
• Barriers like the pandemic, vaccine hesitancy, and access issues contribute to these preventable hospitalizations.
• Understanding geographic and demographic disparities in these rates is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze hospitalization rates for vaccine-preventable conditions in the southeastern United States.
• To identify factors contributing to increased hospitalizations, focusing on rural vs. urban and demographic differences.
• To assess the impact of social vulnerability on hospitalization rates for immunizable diseases.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from four sources covering pre-pandemic (2016-2019) and pandemic (2020-2022) periods.
• Analyzed hospitalization rates across preschool, school-aged, and adult populations.
• Employed Chi-squared tests and linear multiple regression, incorporating Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) dimensions.

Main Results:

• Higher hospitalization rates for vaccine-preventable conditions were consistently observed in rural counties across all age groups (p < 0.001 to 0.009).
• Statistically significant disparities were found in white populations, all age groups, females (adults), and Black adults.
• Regression analysis confirmed higher rates in rural communities and those with greater social vulnerability.

Conclusions:

• Geographic location (rurality) and social vulnerability are significant factors associated with increased hospitalizations for vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Gaps in vaccination opportunities exist, influenced by poverty, language barriers, and access to care.
• Community-engaged outreach and supportive state policies are recommended to improve vaccination rates, reduce hospitalizations, and enhance public health in vulnerable areas.