Online Program

286454
Small area estimation of racial disparities in diabetes using multilevel reweighted regression


Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Lucy D'Agostino McGowan, Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Melody S. Goodman, PhD, Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
Introduction: The agenda to reduce racial health disparities has been set primarily at the national and state levels. These levels may be too far removed from the individual level where health outcomes are realized. This disconnect may be slowing the progress made in reducing these disparities. We use a small area analysis technique to fill the void for county level disparities data. Methods: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data is used to estimate the prevalence of diabetes by county among Non-Hispanic Whites and Non-Hispanic Blacks. A modified weighting system was developed based on demographics at the county-level. A multilevel reweighted regression model is fit to obtain county level prevalence estimates by race. To examine whether racial disparities exist at the county-level, these rates are compared using risk difference and rate ratio. Results: The District of Columbia was ranked as having the largest average disparity in both absolute and relative terms (risk difference and risk ratio). Based on the average risk difference of counties within a state, the next five states with the largest average disparity are: Massachusetts, Kansas, Ohio, North Carolina, and Kentucky. The next five states with the largest average relative disparity, calculated with rate ratio, were: Massachusetts, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, and Ohio. Discussion: Addressing disparities based on factors such as race/ethnicity, geographic location, and socioeconomic status is a current public health priority. This study takes a first step in developing the statistical infrastructure needed to target disparities interventions and resources to the local areas with greatest need.

Learning Areas:

Biostatistics, economics
Diversity and culture
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Assess racial health disparities using multi-level re-weighted regression models for small-area analysis. Identify the existence of racial health disparities by county.

Keyword(s): Public Health, Statistics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been working with Dr. Goodman as a research assistant analyzing racial health disparities, specifically using small area analysis techniques. I am a student currently seeking a M.S. degree in biostatistics.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.