Association Between Social Disadvantage and Otitis Media Treatment in US Children With Commercial Insurance.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

It is well established that social disadvantage is associated with earlier, more frequent, and more severe otitis media in children. Appropriate medical and surgical treatment of otitis media can prevent hearing loss and other complications, which may affect future academic and employment opportunities in socially disadvantaged populations. Clinical treatment patterns for otitis media in the US are unclear.

Objective

To describe and quantify social disparities in the treatment patterns of otitis media in children in the US.

Design, setting, and participants

This cross-sectional study included claims data from the Optum Clinformatics Data Mart Database between January 1, 2003, and March 31, 2021, with linked inpatient, outpatient, and pharmaceutical claims f

SUBMITTER: Qian ZJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9650625 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature