American Indian/Alaska Native Research Articles

Disparities in Total Knee and Total Hip Arthroplasty Rates in the Population of Alaska, 2015 to 2018.

Racial and ethnic disparities in total joint replacements have been documented. Our objective was to determine the rates of total joint replacements for Alaska Native/American Indian (AN/AI) individuals compared with non-AN/AI individuals in Alaska and investigate the differences in characteristics and outcomes by race. We used hospital discharge data from the Alaska Health Facilities Data Reporting Program from 2015 to 2018. We identified people with an inpatient primary or revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). We determined the population proportion of each procedure, age-adjusted rates by race, age-specific rates, and multivariable adjusted rate ratios for TKA or THA. We compared the characteristics of people undergoing primary TKA and THA by race. In 2,195,806 person-years, there were 8,131 arthroplasty procedures (4,594 primary TKAs, 2,791 primary THAs, 378 revision TKAs, and 368 revision THAs). Primary TKAs and THAs were less likely in people of AN/AI or "Other" race compared with people of White race, with some heterogeneity in the "Other" race category. In multivariable models, the adjusted rate ratio for AN/AI compared with White race for TKA was 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-0.82) and for THA was 0.69 (95% CI 0.55-0.85). AN/AI individuals undergoing TKA and THA were more likely to reside in rural locations, be younger than 65 years, have longer hospital stay, and discharge to home. This study confirmed the existence of racial disparities in TKA and THA in Alaska. There may be many underlying causes, and future research should focus on improving access to care.

Impact of opioid overdoses on US life expectancy and years of life lost, by demographic group and stimulant co-involvement: a mortality data analysis from 2019 to 2022

The United States' opioid crisis is worsening, with the number of deaths reaching 81,806 in 2022 after more than tripling over the past decade. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize changes in burden of opioid overdose mortality in terms of life expectancy reduction and years of life lost between 2019 and 2022, including differential burden across demographic groups and the contribution of polysubstance use. Using life tables and counts for all-cause and opioid overdose deaths from the National Center for Health Statistics, we constructed cause-eliminated life tables to estimate mortality by age in the absence of opioid-related deaths. We calculated the loss in life expectancy at birth (LLE) and total years of life lost (YLL) due to opioid overdose deaths by state of residency, sex, racial/ethnic group, and co-involvement of cocaine and psychostimulants. Opioid-related deaths in the US led to an estimated 3.1 million years of life lost in 2022 (38 years per death), compared to 2.0 million years lost in 2019. Relative to a scenario with no opioid mortality, we estimate that opioid-related deaths reduced life expectancy nationally by 0.67 years in 2022 vs 0.52 years in 2019. This LLE worsened in all racial/ethnic groups during the study period: 0.76y-0.96y for white men, 0.36y-0.55y for white women, 0.59y-1.1y for Black men, 0.27y-0.53y for Black women, 0.31y-0.82y for Hispanic men, 0.19y-0.31y for Hispanic women, 0.62y-1.5y for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) men, 0.43y-1y for AI/AN women, 0.09y-0.2y for Asian men, and 0.08y-0.13y for Asian women. Nearly all states experienced an increase in years of life lost (YLL) per capita from 2019 to 2022, with YLL more than doubling in 16 states. Cocaine or psychostimulants with abuse potential (incl. methamphetamines) were involved in half of all deaths and years of life lost in 2022, with substantial variation in the predominant drug class by state and racial/ethnic group. The burden of opioid-related mortality increased dramatically in the US between 2019 and 2022, coinciding with the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated disruptions to social, economic, and health systems. Opioid overdose deaths are an important contributor to decreasing US life expectancy, and Black, Hispanic, and Native Americans now experience mortality burdens approaching or exceeding white Americans. None.

Current diversity in radiology: A comparative study

PurposeTo compare the demographic characteristics of active physicians, trainees, medical school clinical sciences faculty, and department chairs in radiology with those in other medical specialties. MethodsAn analysis was conducted using publicly available deidentified aggregate data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Our data collection included information from the 2022 AAMC Physician Specialty Data Report, the 2022 AAMC Report on Residents, and the 2022 AAMC Faculty Roster. We examined factors such as graduation country, gender, and self-identified race/ethnicity. MedCalc software was used for the analyses. ResultsCompared to other specialties, active radiologists exhibited a significantly lower percentage of females, International Medical Graduates (IMGs), individuals of American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) descent, Black/African-American individuals, and individuals of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin. Conversely, the proportion of White active radiologists was higher. Among radiology trainees, there was a notably lower percentages of females, IMGs, individuals of Black/African-American descent, and individuals of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin, while the percentage of Asians was significantly higher. Furthermore, medical school radiology faculty showed a significant lower proportion of females, Black/African-American individuals, Hispanic/Latino/Spanish individuals, and individuals categorized under the white race/ethnicity, with Asians having a higher representation. As radiology department chairs, Asians were noted at significantly lower percentages compared to their proportions among medical school radiology faculty, while Black/African-American individuals were observed at significantly higher percentages in the same comparison. ConclusionThis study revealed a notable underrepresentation of females, individuals of Black/African-American descent, and those of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin among active radiologists, radiology trainees, and medical school radiology faculty when compared to their counterparts in other medical specialties. Given these findings, further investigation into the underlying causes of these disparities is warranted.

Provider perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on treatment of substance use and opioid use disorders among American Indian and Alaska Native adults.

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities are more likely to suffer negative consequences related to substance misuse. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the opioid poisoning crisis, in combination with ongoing treatment barriers resulting from settler-colonialism, systemic oppression and racial discrimination. AI/AN adults are at greatest risk of COVID-19 related serious illness and death. In collaboration with an Indigenous community advisory board and Tribal leadership, this study explored AI/AN treatment provider perceptions of client-relatives' (i.e., SUD treatment recipients) experiences during the pandemic from 2020 to 2022. Providers who underwent screening and were eligible to participate (N = 25) represented 6 programs and organizations serving rural and urban areas in Washington, Utah, and Minnesota. Participants engaged in audio-recorded 60-90 min semi-structured individual interviews conducted virtually via Zoom. The interview guide included 15 questions covering regulatory changes, guidance for telemedicine, policy and procedures, staff communication, and client-relatives' reactions to implemented changes, service utilization, changes in treatment modality, and perceptions of impact on their roles and practice. Interview recordings were transcribed and de-identified. Members of the research team independently reviewed transcripts before reaching consensus. Coding was completed in Dedoose, followed by analyses informed by a qualitative descriptive approach. Five main domains were identified related to client-relative experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, as observed by providers: (1) accessibility, (2) co-occurring mental health, (3) social determinants of health, (4) substance use, coping, and harm reduction strategies, and (5) community strengths. Providers reported the distinctive experiences of AI/AN communities, highlighting the impact on client-relatives, who faced challenges such as reduced income, heightened grief and loss, and elevated rates of substance use and opioid-related poisonings. Community and culturally informed programming promoting resilience and healing are outlined. Findings underscore the impact on SUD among AI/AN communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying treatment barriers and mental health impacts on client-relatives during a global pandemic can inform ongoing and future culturally responsive SUD prevention and treatment strategies. Elevating collective voice to strengthen Indigenous informed systems of care to address the gap in culturally-and community-based services, can bolster holistic approaches and long-term service needs to promote SUD prevention efforts beyond emergency response efforts.

Racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare utilization, post-operative outcomes, and overall survival for IDH-wildtype glioblastoma stratifying by MGMT promoter methylation status.

2081 Background: Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor and molecular profiles such as IDH1/2 and MGMT promoter methylation status have significant influence on survival outcomes. There is no "real-world" study has investigated the racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare utilization and outcomes for IDH-wildtype glioblastoma patients with MGMT promoter methylation status. Methods: A total of 21971 IDH-wildtype glioblastoma patients ( MGMT promoter-methylated: 41.5%, 9110/21971) were derived from the National Cancer Database (NCDB, 2018-2021). Race/Ethnicity was grouped into Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Asian/Pacific Islander (API), American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN), Hispanic, and Others. Overall survival (OS) was set as primary outcome. Healthcare utilization and post-operative outcomes are secondary endpoints. Multivariable logistic regression models, Kaplan-Meier methods, and Cox proportional hazards models were performed for post-operative outcomes, healthcare utilization, and overall survival. Results: Compared to NHW, AIAN were 78% more likely to have MGMT promoter methylation after adjusting age and gender (aOR=1.78, p=0.030). API and Hispanic were significantly less likely to undergo GTR over STR comparing to NHW. The odds of receiving chemotherapy and RT for race/ethnicity minorities patients were significantly lower than NHW (Chemotherapy: NHB: aOR=0.79, AIAN: aOR=0.57, Hispanic: aOR=0.83; RT: NHB: aOR=0.88, Hispanic: aOR=0.80). The median OSs by race/ethnicity (NHW, NHB, API, AIAN, Hispanic, and Others, respectively) were: 11.5, 12.3, 14.5, 9.2, 13.6, and 15.6, months ( MGMT promoter-unmethylated, p<0.001), 15.9, 18.8, 23.7, 14.8, 19.6, and 15.5, months ( MGMT promoter-methylated, p<0.001). After adjusting the covariates, NHB, API, and Hispanic experienced significantly lower risk of death comparing to NHW (aHR=0.82, 0.66, and 0.75, all p<0.001). Similar results were validated in stratification analysis by MGMT promoter methylation status, except MGMT promoter-unmethylated AIAN experienced 70% higher risk of death than NHW (aHR=1.70, p=0.021). Conclusions: Our findings suggests that racial/ethnic disparities exist in healthcare utilization, postoperative outcomes, and overall survival in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma population.

Investigating disparities in enrollment of patients in lung cancer clinical trials that led to FDA approval for immunotherapies between 2015 and 2023: A comparison with the US population.

e23104 Background: Registrational clinical trials have led to the FDA approval of numerous immunotherapy (IO) agents in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) since 2015. Given the historical lack of adequate representation of the US population with cancer in clinical trials, we aimed to analyze disparities in race and ethnicity reporting and enrollment in lung cancer clinical trials that led to FDA-approved immunotherapies between 2015-2023. Methods: The FDA archives and database were queried to review all FDA drug approvals for IO approved to treat NSCLC between 2015 to 2023. Enrollment data were obtained from FDA labels, ClinicalTrials.gov, and corresponding journal manuscripts. The enrollment incidence ratio (EIR) and enrollment mortality ratio (EMR) were calculated as the proportion of patients of a particular race among clinical trial participants in approval studies divided by the estimated proportion of patients of that particular race diagnosed or dying of lung cancer, respectively, among the US population. Results: Among 27 trials with a total of 15,878 subjects, distribution by race shows that 77.5% were White, 16.7% Asian, 8.8% Hispanic, 1.63% Black, 0.33% American Indian Alaska Native (AIAN), and 0.07% were Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI). 67.4% were males while 32.6% were females. The EIR for Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients was 0.99, 0.13, 3.56, and 0.85 respectively. The EMR for Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients was 0.99, 0.12, 4.23, and 0.96 respectively. Racial demographics were reported in 65% of journal manuscripts, 65% of ClinicalTrials.gov pages, and 92% of FDA labels while ethnicity demographics were reported in 0% of journal manuscripts, 42% of ClinicalTrials.gov pages, and 15% of FDA labels. Conclusions: Black, AIAN and female patients are severely underrepresented in lung cancer trials that lead to approval for IO based therapy. Asian patients were overrepresented. Less than half of the trials reported data on ethnicity. Further research is needed to see if regulatory initiatives to increase clinical trial diversity result in more equitable clinical trial enrollment in pivotal trials.

SPPADE symptom prevalence and severity in a diverse sample of patients living with metastatic cancers.

11108 Background: Advances in cancer treatment have led to a growing population of patients living with metastatic cancer. Symptom burden for these patients is understudied. Our objective is to report the prevalence and severity of SPPADE symptoms (sleep disturbance, pain, physical function impairment, anxiety, depression, and low energy /fatigue) in a large cohort of patients with metastatic cancer. Methods: These data are drawn from the Enhanced, EHR-facilitated Cancer Symptom Control (E2C2) stepped wedge pragmatic trial evaluating a symptom management intervention for cancer patients (NCT03892967). This analysis was limited to those identified with metastatic disease using ICD- codes and a natural language processing algorithm prior to or within 30 days of their baseline symptom survey. Symptom severity was measured on a 0-10 scale with scores of 1-3 categorized as “mild”, 4-6 as “moderate”, and ≥7 as “severe.” A SPPADE composite score was calculated by summing six individual symptom scores and is an indicator of total symptom burden. We report descriptive statistics for each symptom by severity category. We also test for differences in SPPADE composite score by race, disability status, employment status, education and cancer type using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: 12,824 patients with metastatic disease completed a survey between March 2019 and January 2023. Discretized score distributions for the SPPADE symptoms are reported in the Table. The SPPADE composite mean score for the cohort was 17.6 (SD +/- 12.0). Significant differences were found in total symptom burden by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics ( p<0.01): Higher total symptom burden (Mean [SD])was experienced by individuals who were American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) (23.8[13.5]) or African American (AA) (20.5[14.7]), disabled (24.0[12.8]) or unemployed (21.1[13.0]), and had a high school education (20.0[13.3]) or less than high school education (18.5[12.4]). There were also statistically significant differences ( p<0.01) in symptom burden across cancer types, with patients with metastatic lung cancer reporting the highest symptom burden (20.0[12.2]) and those with metastatic melanoma reporting the lowest (14.7[11.4]). Conclusions: SPPADE symptoms are common in patients with metastatic cancer, especially fatigue, sleep disturbance, and physical function impairment. Symptom burden is especially high in AI/AN, AA, disabled/unemployed, and less educated patients. Further research is needed to tailor symptom interventions among those living with metastatic disease. [Table: see text]

The National Landscapes of Gastric Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma: Stable Trends in Black Populations and Late-Stage Tumors.

Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) eradication has been the mainstream for preventing and treating gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Prior data showed disparities in eradication rates of H. Pylori between different populations. This can potentially impact the occurrence of gastric MALT lymphoma. There are limited data on the incidence and mortality rates and trends of gastric MALT lymphoma in the US. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to conduct a time-trend analysis of gastric MALT lymphoma incidence and mortality rates in different populations. The incidence rates of gastric MALT lymphoma were calculated from the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database (which covers nearly 98% of the US population) between 2001-2020 and were age-adjusted to the standard 2000 US population using SEER*Stat software (version 8.4.3, national cancer institute "NCI"). Incidence-based mortality (IBM) rates, also age-adjusted to the standard 2000 US population, were calculated from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Tumor location was specified using ICD-O-3 codes C 160-C 169 with malignant behavior. Histopathology was specified using the ICD-O-3 code 9699. The rates were categorized by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and tumor stage at diagnosis. Age groups were older adults (aged 55 years or older) and younger adults (aged younger than 55 years). Race/ethnic groups included Non-Hispanic White (White), Non-Hispanic Black (Black), Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander (API), and Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), as reported in the database. Stage at diagnosis included early stage (in situ and localized tumors) and late stage (regional and distant site tumors). Joinpoint Regression Software (version 5.0.2, NCI) using the weighted Bayesian Information Criteria method was used to generate time trends. Trends were reported as annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC). Parametric estimations were used with a two-sided t-test to evaluate the trends with a p-value cutoff at 0.05. There were 21,625 patients diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma in the US between 2001 and 2020. Overall, incidence rates were significantly decreasing over the study period (AAPC = -1.93). This decrease was seen in males (AAPC = -1.67) and in females (AAPC = -1.66) (Figure). When categorized by age groups, older adults also experienced a significant decrease in gastric MALT lymphoma incidence rates (AAPC = -1.66). While this was also seen in younger adults, the rates were decreasing at a slower pace (AAPC = -1.38). When categorizing the trends by race/ethnicity, incidence rates were significantly decreasing in White (AAPC = -2.09), Hispanic (AAPC = -1.61), and API (AAPC = -3.92) populations. However, the rates were stable among Blacks. While early-stage tumors experienced a significant decrease (AAPC = -1.10), the rates were stable for late-stage tumors. When evaluating mortality, there were 11,036 patients whose death was attributed to gastric MALT lymphoma between 2000 and 2020. IBM rates were decreasing in males (AAPC = -1.47), older adults (AAPC = -1.55), Whites (AAPC = -1.23), Hispanics (AAPC = -1.73), APIs (AAPC = -2.30), and early-stage tumors (AAPC = -1.08). On the other hand, IBM rates were stable in females, younger adults, Blacks, and late-stage tumors. An extensive nationwide data analysis encompassing nearly 98% of patients diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma in the US unveils a declining trend in the incidence of cancer overall over the past two decades. This decline is observed in both sexes and various age groups. When stratifying by race and ethnicity, this incidence has been decreasing in all populations except among Black individuals. While early-stage tumors have also demonstrated a significant decrease in incidence rates, late-stage tumors have shown no parallel decline. Mortality evaluation also revealed an improvement in most of the US population except among females, younger adults, Black individuals, and late-stage tumors. While the cause of our findings is unclear, it could be driven by disproportionate exposure to risk factors, including H. Pylori, and disparities in screening, management, and outcomes. Future studies are warranted to investigate factors contributing to worse outcomes of gastric MALT lymphoma, especially in the Black population.

Physical Pain Among Urban Native American Emerging Adults: Sociocultural Risk and Protective Factors.

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people have high rates of physical pain. Pain is understudied in urban-dwelling, AI/AN emerging adults, a group with unique sociocultural risk and protective factors. We explore associations between socioeconomic disadvantage, additional sociocultural factors, and pain among urban AI/AN emerging adults. AI/AN participants aged 18-25 years ( N = 417) were recruited via social media. Regression models tested associations between socioeconomic disadvantage (income and ability to afford health care) and pain as well as additional sociocultural factors (discrimination, historical loss, cultural pride and belonging, visiting tribal lands) and pain. Multigroup regression models tested whether associations between sociocultural factors and pain differed between participants who were socioeconomically disadvantaged and those who were less disadvantaged. In the full sample, lower income ( b = 1.00-1.48, p < .05), inability to afford health care ( b = 1.00, p = .011), discrimination ( b = 0.12, p = .001), and historical loss ( b = 0.24, p = .006) were positively associated with pain, whereas visiting tribal lands was negatively associated with pain ( b = -0.86 to -0.42, p < .05). In the multigroup model, visiting tribal lands 31+ days was negatively associated with pain only among the less socioeconomically disadvantaged group ( b = -1.48, p < .001). Socioeconomic disadvantage may, in part, drive pain disparities among AI/AN emerging adults and act as a barrier to benefitting from visiting tribal lands. Results support a biopsychosocial approach to targeting pain in this population, including addressing socioeconomic challenges and developing culturally informed, strengths-based interventions.

Racial and Ethnic Composition of Departments of Health Policy & Management and Health Education & Behavioral Sciences.

The diversity of racial/ethnic representation in the health services and policy research (HSPR) workforce plays a crucial role in addressing the health needs of underserved populations. We assessed changes (between 2012 and 2022) in the racial/ethnic composition of students and faculty from departments of Health Policy & Management (HPM) and Health Education & Behavioral Sciences (HEBS) among the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health member institutions. We analyzed annual data from over 40 institutions that reported student and faculty data in 2012 and 2022 within each department. Racial/ethnic populations included American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), Asian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NH/PI), Black, White, Unknown, and Multiracial. We conducted analyses by department and examined racial/ethnic composition by student status, degree level, faculty rank, and tenure status. We found statistically significant increases in Black assistant professors (HPM and HEBS) and tenured faculty (HPM), Hispanic graduates and tenure-track faculty (HPM), Asian professors (HPM: full and tenured, HEBS: associate and tenured), and Multiracial students and graduates (HPM and HEBS). Statistically significant decreases were observed in White professors (HPM: assistant and full, HEBS: all ranks) and tenure-track faculty (HPM and HEBS), AI/AN associate professors and tenured faculty (HEBS), Hispanic associate professors (HPM), Asian assistant professors (HEBS), and NH/PI students (HPM and HEBS). Our findings highlight the importance of increasing racial/ethnic representation. Strategies to achieve this include facilitating workshops to raise awareness about the structural barriers encountered by Hispanic faculty, providing research support, evaluating promotion processes, establishing more pathway programs, and fostering interdisciplinary academic environments studying AI/AN or NH/PI populations.

Enhancing sleep health in urban American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents: Implications for culturally tailored interventions.

Urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents are vulnerable to sleep and other health-related disparities due to numerous social drivers, including historical trauma and relocation to urban areas. This study aims to identify strategies to increase protective factors and culturally tailor sleep health interventions for this population. Using community-based participatory research, the NAYSHAW study conducted in-depth interviews with urban AI/AN adolescents aged 12-19 years to understand critical components needed for developing a culturally sensitive sleep health intervention. Data from two qualitative subsamples (N = 46) and parent surveys (N = 110) were analyzed, focusing on factors that affect sleep health behaviors, including parental involvement, technology, and traditional practices. Key findings include the detrimental impact of electronics use at night and protective effects of traditional practices on sleep. Parental involvement in sleep routines varied by adolescent's age. Adolescents desired sleep health education in interactive formats, whereas parents preferred workshops and digital applications for sleep health strategies. Findings suggest that interventions need to address electronics use and should also be culturally tailored to address the unique experiences of urban AI/AN adolescents. Results underscore the importance of utilizing community-based strategies to develop culturally tailored sleep interventions for underserved populations, specifically urban AI/AN adolescents. Integrating traditional practices with evidence-based sleep health strategies can provide a holistic approach to improving sleep and overall well-being. Parental education and involvement will be critical to the success of such interventions.

Wiidookaage'win: Beta-test of a Facebook group intervention for Native women to support opioid use recovery

IntroductionThe ongoing opioid misuse epidemic has had a marked impact on American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Culture- and gender-specific barriers to medically assisted recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) have been identified, exacerbating its impact for AI/AN women. Wiidookaage’win is a community-based participatory research study that aims to develop a culturally tailored, moderated, private Facebook group intervention to support Minnesotan AI/AN women in medically assisted recovery from OUD. The current study assessed the preliminary feasibility and acceptability of the intervention in a beta-test to inform refinements before conducting a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). MethodsThe intervention was beta-tested for 30 days. Moderators were trained prior to delivering the intervention. Study assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention. The post-intervention assessments included substance use (self-report and urine drug screen), treatment acceptability, mental health, and spirituality outcomes. We examined intervention engagement patterns using Facebook metrics and qualitatively explored common topics that emerged in participant posts and comments. ResultsTen AI/AN women taking medication for OUD (MOUD) were accrued (age range 25–62 years). Participants had been in opioid recovery a mean of 15.2 months (SD = 16.1; range = 3–60). The study participation rate (accrued/eligible) was 91 %. Nine participants completed the post-intervention survey assessment and eight completed a UDS. Acceptability was high based on the mean treatment satisfaction score (M = 4.8, SD = 0.2 out of a possible 5.0), Facebook group engagement, and positive qualitative feedback. All participants retained at post-intervention continued their MOUD treatment, and none had returned to opioid use. ConclusionsThe beta-test indicated that the Facebook platform and study procedures generally worked as intended and that the intervention was largely acceptable to study participants. The results of this study phase provided valuable insights to inform refinements prior to conducting a pilot RCT to further assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of the intervention.

Navigating geographical disparities: access to obstetric hospitals in maternity care deserts and across the United States

BackgroundAccess to maternity care in the U.S. remains inequitable, impacting over two million women in maternity care “deserts." Living in these areas, exacerbated by hospital closures and workforce shortages, heightens the risks of pregnancy-related complications, particularly in rural regions. This study investigates travel distances and time to obstetric hospitals, emphasizing disparities faced by those in maternity care deserts and rural areas, while also exploring variances across races and ethnicities.MethodsThe research adopted a retrospective secondary data analysis, utilizing the American Hospital Association and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Provider of Services Files to classify obstetric hospitals. The study population included census tract estimates of birthing individuals sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2017-2021 American Community Survey. Using ArcGIS Pro Network Analyst, drive time and distance calculations to the nearest obstetric hospital were conducted. Furthermore, Hot Spot Analysis was employed to identify areas displaying significant spatial clusters of high and low travel distances.ResultsThe mean travel distance and time to the nearest obstetric facility was 8.3 miles and 14.1 minutes. The mean travel distance for maternity care deserts and rural counties was 28.1 and 17.3 miles, respectively. While birthing people living in rural maternity care deserts had the highest average travel distance overall (33.4 miles), those living in urban maternity care deserts also experienced inequities in travel distance (25.0 miles). States with hotspots indicating significantly higher travel distances included: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Census tracts where the predominant race is American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) had the highest travel distance and time compared to those of all other predominant races/ethnicities.ConclusionsOur study revealed significant disparities in obstetric hospital access, especially affecting birthing individuals in maternity care deserts, rural counties, and communities predominantly composed of AIAN individuals, resulting in extended travel distances and times. To rectify these inequities, sustained investment in the obstetric workforce and implementation of innovative programs are imperative, specifically targeting improved access in maternity care deserts as a priority area within healthcare policy and practice.

Race and ethnicity and pharmacy dispensing of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i) and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RA) improve cardiorenal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Equitable use of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA has the potential to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. We evaluated trends in pharmacy dispensing of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA by race and ethnicity. Retrospective cohort study of patients (≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes using 2014-2022 electronic health record data from six US care delivery systems. Entry was at earliest pharmacy dispensing of any type 2 diabetes medication. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association between pharmacy dispensing of SGLT2i and GLP1-RA and race and ethnicity. Our cohort included 687,165 patients (median 6 years of dispensing data; median 60 years; 0.3% American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), 16.6% Asian, 10.5% Black, 1.4% Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (HPI), 31.1% Hispanic, 3.8% Other, and 36.3% White). SGLT2i was lower for AI/AN (OR 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.68-0.94), Black (0.89, 0.86-0.92) and Hispanic (0.87, 0.85-0.89) compared to White patients. GLP-1 RA was lower for AI/AN (0.78, 0.63-0.97), Asian (0.50, 0.48-0.53), Black (0.86, 0.83-0.90), HPI (0.52, 0.46-0.57), Hispanic (0.69, 0.66-0.71), and Other (0.78, 0.73-0.83) compared to White patients. Dispensing of SGLT2is, and GLP-1 RAs was lower in minority group patients. There is a need to evaluate approaches to increase use of these cardiorenal protective drugs in patients from racial and ethnic minority groups with type 2 diabetes to reduce adverse cardiorenal outcomes and improve health equity. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and National Institutes of Health.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Adverse Neonatal Outcomes Persist With Use of Fertility Treatment [ID 2683455

INTRODUCTION: Racial/ethnic health disparities are well documented, yet little is known about the effect of fertility treatment on disparities. This study assesses the relationship between fertility treatment and adverse neonatal outcomes by race/ethnicity. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was performed using National Vital Statistics (2012–2020) including singleton, non-anomalous births from 23 to 42 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was an adverse neonatal composite outcome (ANCO) encompassing neonatal intensive care unit admission, assisted ventilation, seizures, and Apgar scores less than 7 at 5 minutes. Multivariable logistic regression assessed whether fertility treatment was associated with ANCO by race/ethnicity after adjusting for maternal age, gestational age at delivery, maternal body mass index, education status, insurance, and delivery year. RESULTS: Of 31,975,746 births meeting inclusion criteria, 414,716 (1.3%) were conceived with fertility treatment. Across the entire cohort, fertility treatment was associated with significantly increased odds of ANCO (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.44; 95% CI, 1.43–1.46). Prevalence of ANCO was highest for the non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) populations in both nonfertility and fertility treatment groups. Without fertility treatment, the Asian/Pacific Islander (API) and Hispanic groups had the lowest rates of ANCO at 8.3% and 8.9%, respectively. With fertility treatment, ANCO odds increased the most in API (aOR 1.61; 1.56–1.66) and Hispanic populations (aOR 1.60; 1.54–1.65). CONCLUSION: Fertility treatment is associated with approximately 1.5 times the odds of adverse neonatal outcomes across all racial/ethnic groups, with the greatest increase among the API and Hispanic populations. The NHB and AIAN groups experienced the highest overall rates of ANCO, supporting the need for targeted interventions for historically marginalized populations.

Non-use and inadequate use of cervical cancer screening among a representative sample of women in the United States.

Women's adherence to the United States (U.S.) Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for cervical cancer screening was determined by examining predisposing, enabling, and needs factors from Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use conceptual framework. The outcome was operationalized as cervical cancer screening use, non-use, and inadequate-use. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted on data from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey of 7,331 eligible women aged 21-65. Compared with women who used cervical cancer screening services, women aged 30-65 were less likely to be Non-Users than those aged 21-29. Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) women were more likely to be Non-Users than White women. More educated women were less likely to be Non-Users. Foreign-born women <10 years in the U.S. were more likely to be Non-Users than U.S.-born women. Women with financial hardship were less likely to be Non-Users. Poorer women and uninsured women were more likely to be Non-Users. Women with children in their household were less likely to be Non-Users than those without children. Women who had a well-visit in the past year were less likely to be Non-Users. Women with a history of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination were less likely to be Non-Users. Compared with women who used cervical cancer screening services, women aged 30-65 were less likely to be Inadequate-Users. AIAN women were more likely to be Inadequate-Users. Women of other races were less likely to be Inadequate-Users. Employed women were less likely to be Inadequate-Users. Uninsured women were more likely to be Inadequate-Users. Women who had a well-visit within a year were less likely to be Inadequate-Users. Women with past HPV vaccination were more likely to be Inadequate-Users. Smokers were less likely to be Inadequate-Users. Predisposing, enabling, and needs factors are differently associated with non-use and inadequate use of cervical cancer screening. Understanding factors associated with the use, non-use, and inadequate use of cervical cancer screening is crucial to avoid or curb unnecessary tests, increased costs to both society and individuals, and the ill-allocation of limited resources.

A complex psychosocial portrait of substance use disorders among Indigenous people in the United States: A scoping review.

There has been a prevailing but erroneous belief in the medical community that there is a biological vulnerability in the American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) community to substance use disorders (SUDs), with alcohol use disorder (AUD) being the most prevalent. This scoping review aimed to examine what possible psychosocial issues could lead to the development of the perpetuation of SUDs in the AI/AN population. The protocol for this scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. There were 405 articles included for full-text review. Further inclusion criteria were applied which included: Directly looking at participants who had a SUD, including either in the discussion or conclusion a statement linking their data to psychosocial issues as a possible explanation for their data, and having measured the psychosocial issue with a research device. The final review included 15 studies. Four psychosocial themes were uncovered using an inductive process, where recurring words related to identity, prejudice, isolation, discrimination, and self-concept in the literature. These themes were trauma/historical loss, mood, and discrimination/self-esteem. All of these themes are interrelated, and all influence the development or sustainment of a SUD. Complex psychosocial factors in the AI/AN community are associated with SUDs. This trauma and historical loss should be addressed with culturally tailored treatments. There are not many manuscripts that specifically look at the interplay of mood, trauma, self-worth, and discrimination with SUD in the AI/AN community. This scoping review aims to highlight these issues as well as discuss how culture should play a part in treatment.

COVID-19 infection and incident diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native people: a retrospective cohort study

Evidence suggests an increased risk of new-onset diabetes following COVID-19 infection. American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people were disparately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and historically have had higher diabetes incidence than other racial/ethnic groups in the US. We measured the association between COVID-19 infection and incident diabetes in AI/AN people. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using de-identified patient data from the Indian Health Service's (IHS) National Patient Information Reporting System. We estimated age-adjusted diabetes incidence rates, incidence rate ratios, and adjusted hazard ratios among three cohorts spanning pre-pandemic (1/1/2018-2/28/2020) and pandemic (3/1/2020-12/31/2021) timeframes: 1) pre-pandemic cohort (1,503,085 individuals); 2) no-COVID-19 pandemic cohort (1,344,339 individuals); and 3) COVID-19 cohort (176,483 individuals). The COVID-19 cohort had an increased hazard of diabetes compared to the no-COVID-19 group (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=1.56; 95% CI: 1.50-1.62) and the pre-pandemic group (aHR=1.27; 95% CI: 1.22-1.32). The association between COVID-19 infection and new-onset diabetes was stronger in those with severe COVID-19 illness. A sensitivity analysis comparing the COVID-19 cohort to members of other cohorts that had acute upper respiratory infections showed an attenuated but higher risk of new-onset diabetes in those with COVID-19. AI/AN people diagnosed with COVID-19 had an elevated risk of a new diabetes diagnosis when compared to the no-COVID-19 group and the pre-pandemic group. The increased diabetes risk in the COVID-19 group remained in a sensitivity analysis that limited the comparator groups to individuals with an AURI diagnosis. US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Abstract 1012: Colorectal cancer in the American Indian and Alaska Native community: A holistic review

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked third in the United States for both cancer incidence and mortality. Despite a decline in both categories, CRC continues to be a great concern in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. AI/AN populations have also experienced the largest increase in early-onset colorectal cancer, have the second highest CRC incidence rates, and the AN community has the highest rates of CRC worldwide. AI/AN populations face numerous barriers and are susceptible to risk factors that may contribute to these findings. Currently, a significant amount of research is on screening efforts. Through conducting a literature review of 63 articles, as well as an additional 11 supplemental sources, this manuscript aims to look at several aspects of CRC including demographics, diet, screening, and the impact of geography. This review presents and organizes available research on CRC in the AI/AN population and explores research beyond screening because a more comprehensive and population-specific fund of knowledge on the totality of the subject is critical to directing more effective prevention, earlier detection, and management. Evaluating different components of CRC honors the holistic approach to health practiced by AI/AN communities. Citation Format: Angela R. Monetathchi, William Carson, Alyssa Little, Felina M. Cordova-Marks, Jennifer Erdrich. Colorectal cancer in the American Indian and Alaska Native community: A holistic review [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1012.

Abstract 6135: Racial and ethnic differences in site of de novo metastases in patients with colorectal cancer: A SEER analysis

Abstract Purpose: Disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality may be driven by differences in access to care, tumor biology, and propensity to spread to distant sites. We examine differences in patterns of de novo metastases by race/ethnicity and age. Methods: We identified 248,732 CRC patients listed in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database diagnosed with a first primary invasive CRC from 2010-2020, aged 20+ years at diagnosis, with complete data on SEER summary stage, and not diagnosed only by autopsy/death certificate. Outcomes included de novo metastatic site (no metastasis, liver, lung, brain, bone) and pattern (no metastasis, liver only, lung only, liver and lung, other). We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the associations between 1) demographic and tumor characteristics (site, side, T stage, N stage) and site of de novo metastases , and 2) race/ethnicity and site of de novo metastases stratified by age (20-49, 50-74, 75+). We used multinomial logistic regression to assess the association between demographic and tumor characteristics and pattern of metastasis. Models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, sex, site (colon, rectum), side (left, right), T stage, and N stage. Results: 62,844 stage IV CRC cases were diagnosed from 2010-2020, and liver was the most common metastatic site (72%). Relative to age 50-74, age 20-49 at diagnosis was more strongly associated with de novo liver metastases (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02-1.11) and less with lung (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.80-0.92) or brain (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52-0.93) metastases. Relative to Non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients, Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) patients had a higher risk of lung metastases (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.07-1.65), Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander (API) patients had lower risks of liver (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.83-0.92) and brain (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48-0.95) metastases, and Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients had higher risks of liver (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.29-1.41), lung (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.27-1.45), and bone (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.08-1.41) metastases. In age-stratified analyses, the risks for NHB patients persisted across groups, while lower risks for API patients were not observed in the 20-49 group. API patients aged 20-49 had a higher risk of de novo lung (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06-1.61) and bone (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.13-2.37) metastases, and the increased risk of lung metastases for AI/AN patients was larger in magnitude (OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.39-3.68). Age 20-49 was more strongly associated with a liver-only pattern (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.09-1.19) and with less common distant sites (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.25-1.41). Conclusions: Racial/ethnic differences in de novo metastatic CRC patterns exist overall and across age groups. These findings are consistent with disparities in risk of stage IV CRC and can inform surveillance priorities in CRC survivors. Citation Format: Nicole C. Loroña, Mariana C. Stern, Stephanie L. Schmit, Jane C. Figueiredo. Racial and ethnic differences in site of de novo metastases in patients with colorectal cancer: A SEER analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6135.