Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis.

Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions. Disparities in treatment and access to care can result in poor disease control and decreased quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine whether race and ethnicity affect treatment and healthcare utilization for pediatric atopic dermatitis in central Florida.

Methods: This study of 4008 children with AD compared healthcare utilization and management using the numbers of AD-related healthcare visits, prescriptions, testing, and subspecialty referrals. Multivariable models were used to compare racial and ethnic groups (Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Other) with the reference group of non-Hispanic White, while adjusting for common confounders.

Results: The mean number of urgent care visits for the Hispanic group was 1.61 times that of the non-Hispanic White group, and the mean number of emergency department visits was 3.71 (P < 0.001) times the reference group. Black or African American patients had a mean number of emergency department visits that was 1.52 times that of non-Hispanic White patients (P = 0.021). The mean count of primary care visits was lower among Hispanic patients and higher among Asian patients (P = 0.012). Visits to subspecialty clinics and hospitalizations did not differ significantly. There were no consistent patterns in differences of AD-related prescriptions, testing, or subspecialty referrals.

Conclusions: This study indicates that racial and ethnic disparities exist in healthcare utilization in pediatric AD. The underlying factors contributing to these disparities need to be further studied and addressed to reach health equity within pediatric AD.