Prevalence and healthcare utilization of acute respiratory infections among cancer survivors in the United States: a population-based study

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence and healthcare use of acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among cancer survivors in the United States in a population-based cohort. Methods: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey for 2013, 2015, and 2017 was accessed and adults (>20 years) with known status of cancer diagnosis were reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was then used to examine factors associated with the likelihood of influenza and pneumonia as well as the likelihood of hospitalization secondary to acute RTIs. Results: A total of 75,665 participants were included (including 6397 cancer survivors and 68,733 participants without a cancer history). Within the cohort of cancer survivors, upper RTIs were recorded in 10.6% and influenza and pneumonia were recorded in 7.8%. Within the cohort of cancer survivors, individuals with influenza and pneumonia have a higher total healthcare expenditure (mean: 19,387.59 $ versus 12,714.57 $; P < 0.001) and total out-of-pocket expenditure (mean: 1494.61 $ versus 1159.27 $; P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a history of cancer was associated with a higher likelihood of influenza and pneumonia (OR: 1.119; 95% CI: 1.005–1.247; P = 0.041) as well as hospitalization following acute RTIs (1.586; 95% CI: 1.197–2.103; P = 0.001). Conclusions: Within the studied cohort, cancer Survivors were more likely to be diagnosed with influenza and pneumonia and they were more likely to be hospitalized because of acute RTIs.