Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Medication Adherence Among Children with Special Healthcare Needs: A Longitudinal Analysis
Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
6-5-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
6-5-2025 4:00 PM
Description
BACKGROUND: This study explores the impact of racial and ethnic disparities on medication adherence among children with special healthcare needs (CSHN) in the United States between 2000 and 2018. Medication adherence is essential for managing chronic conditions. Caregivers' race and ethnicity strongly impact adherence rates, posing a public health issue.
METHODS: Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was analyzed for CSHN aged 5–17, focusing on medication use and adherence and evaluating caregivers’ race/ethnicity. The primary outcome was poor adherence, with the study calculating age- and sex-adjusted rates of poor adherence based on caregivers' race/ethnicity. Logistic regression was used to explore the link between caregivers' race/ethnicity and medication adherence.
RESULTS: The proportion of CSHN reporting medication use remained consistent at 28–30% across the survey periods. However, racial and ethnic disparities in medication adherence were evident, with non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic children showing consistently higher rates of poor adherence compared to non-Hispanic White children. Although medication adherence improved over time for children of non-Hispanic White caregivers (a 21.3% decrease in poor adherence), there was no significant improvement for children of non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic caregivers.
DISCUSSION: Logistic regression results revealed that CSHN with non-Hispanic Black caregivers were 1.40 times more likely to experience poor adherence, and those with Hispanic caregivers were 1.42 times more likely compared to children with non-Hispanic White caregivers. There were no significant differences in adherence trends over time based on caregivers’ race/ethnicity.
CONCLUSION: While medication adherence has improved over time, racial and ethnic disparities remain a public health concern. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges minority populations face. Culturally tailored education, improved healthcare access, and addressing socioeconomic barriers are critical to enhancing adherence and reducing healthcare disparities among CSHN.
Embargo Period
5-19-2025
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Medication Adherence Among Children with Special Healthcare Needs: A Longitudinal Analysis
Suwanee, GA
BACKGROUND: This study explores the impact of racial and ethnic disparities on medication adherence among children with special healthcare needs (CSHN) in the United States between 2000 and 2018. Medication adherence is essential for managing chronic conditions. Caregivers' race and ethnicity strongly impact adherence rates, posing a public health issue.
METHODS: Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was analyzed for CSHN aged 5–17, focusing on medication use and adherence and evaluating caregivers’ race/ethnicity. The primary outcome was poor adherence, with the study calculating age- and sex-adjusted rates of poor adherence based on caregivers' race/ethnicity. Logistic regression was used to explore the link between caregivers' race/ethnicity and medication adherence.
RESULTS: The proportion of CSHN reporting medication use remained consistent at 28–30% across the survey periods. However, racial and ethnic disparities in medication adherence were evident, with non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic children showing consistently higher rates of poor adherence compared to non-Hispanic White children. Although medication adherence improved over time for children of non-Hispanic White caregivers (a 21.3% decrease in poor adherence), there was no significant improvement for children of non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic caregivers.
DISCUSSION: Logistic regression results revealed that CSHN with non-Hispanic Black caregivers were 1.40 times more likely to experience poor adherence, and those with Hispanic caregivers were 1.42 times more likely compared to children with non-Hispanic White caregivers. There were no significant differences in adherence trends over time based on caregivers’ race/ethnicity.
CONCLUSION: While medication adherence has improved over time, racial and ethnic disparities remain a public health concern. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges minority populations face. Culturally tailored education, improved healthcare access, and addressing socioeconomic barriers are critical to enhancing adherence and reducing healthcare disparities among CSHN.