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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Jon Thompson, BS, Stephen J. Morewitz, PhD, Shohreh Sayani, BS, Pedram Kahen, BS, Valerie Schade-Serin, BS, and Ryan Lee, BS. Research Division, California College of Podiatric Medicine, 100 Corporate Place, Vallejo, CA 94590, (707) 558-1313, smorewitz@ccpm.edu
Research is needed to determine how socioeconomic status influences the severity and treatment outcomes of diabetes-related lower extremity diseases and diabetic nephropathy. This is especially important since studies document the significant financial cost burden to diabetic patients with foot and renal complications. Using data from the 1998 Health Interview Survey (N=30,534 adults), this study analyzed possible income differences among non-insulin-dependent diabetics with kidney failure and ankle pain symptoms. The Survey relied on self-report data from diabetics (N=1,906) on a variety of health problems, including income, ankle pain, and kidney failure. Correlation analysis was performed to test the null hypothesis that there are no income differences among non-insulin-dependent diabetics with kidney failure and right ankle pain symptoms. Partial correlations were performed to control for possible intervening variables such as age, race, and hypertension. The null hypothesis was rejected. Among non-insulin-dependent diabetics with annual family incomes less than $20,000, kidney failure was positively associated with right ankle pain (r=+.104, p<.03, N=318). In contrast, kidney failure was not related to right ankle pain symptoms among non-insulin-dependent diabetics with incomes at or above $20,000. Partial correlations showed that these differences remained significant after controlling for possible predictor variables. This study shows that among low-income non-insulin-dependent diabetics, kidney failure is more likely to be associated with right ankle symptoms that could be indicative of peripheral vascular disease or other lower extremity disorders related to diabetic nephropathy and other diabetic complications. Differences in use of and access to health care and lower quality of care associated with low socioeconomic status may account for these results.
Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to
Keywords: Diabetes, Social Inequalities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.