The Influence of Demographic and Insurance Factors on Hospitalization Rates, Treatment Costs, and Length of Stay for Sickle Cell Disease Patients among African Americans

This study examines the influence of demographic and insurance variables on hospitalization rates, treatment costs, and length of stay (LOS) for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients among African Americans from 1998 to 2020. SCD is a significant public health issue, particularly affecting African American populations, where it leads to frequent hospitalizations and substantial healthcare costs. The research analyzes demographic factors such as age and gender, revealing that adult males tend to experience higher hospitalization rates and longer LOS compared to other groups. Furthermore, the type of insurance coverage significantly impacts treatment costs, with patients using private insurance or self-pay options incurring greater financial burdens than those enrolled in government programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Through a comprehensive analysis of hospitalization data, treatment expenses, and patient demographics, the study aims to provide critical insights that can inform healthcare policies and interventions designed to improve health outcomes for African American SCD patients. The findings underscore the need for targeted healthcare strategies that consider demographic disparities and the role of insurance in accessing care. Keywords: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), Hospitalization Rates, Length of Stay (LOS), Healthcare Costs, Insurance Type, Demographic Factors, Treatment Costs, Healthcare Disparities DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/14-3-07 Publication date: October 30 th 2024