Hepatitis B Vaccination Rate in Patients with Diabetes: Assessment of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparity

Introduction Less hygienic use of blood glucose monitoring equipment such as blood glucose meters, lancets, finger stick devices or other diabetes-care equipment such as syringes or insulin pens by self-administration often exposes the diabetic patient to Hepatitis B infection. This study evaluates hepatitis B vaccination among individuals with diabetes. Methods The study used data from the 2000–2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Vaccination rates among adult individuals with diabetes of various ethnic backgrounds was accessed and compared using chis-square tests. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to compare factors affecting hepatitis B vaccination among individuals with diabetes. Results The crude rate of diabetes in this population was 5.4%. The rate of vaccination among individuals with diabetes differed across racial groups (Asians 31.8% vs. blacks 30.7%; and whites 26.5%; p<0.01). After multivariate regression, the leading factors affecting hepatitis B vaccination included Age (40–60 years) (OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.47–0.57, p<0.01), lack of college education (OR=0.71,95% CI=0.64–0.79, p<0.01), foreign birth (OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.72–0.95, p<0.01), and Hispanic ethnicity (OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.78–1.00, P<0.05). Conclusion Social and economic factors-education, insurance status, age, poverty level, and place of birth affect rates of vaccination among individuals with diabetes.