Sickle cell disease among Latinx in California

Abstract

Introduction After African Americans, Latinx are the second largest population affected by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in the U.S. However, research has largely ignored how this devastating rare blood disorder specifically affects Latinx nationwide. Methods This study compared demographics, genotypes, primary insurance, and health care utilization among Latinx and non-Latinx Californians living with SCD, using data from the California SCD Data Collection Program (2016–2018) and newborn screening cases 2000–2017. Results Stemming from 6,837 SCD patients, 501(7%) were Latinx. Latinx with SCD (Lx-SCD) were statistically significantly younger than non-Latinx (NLx-SCD) counterparts. Within both groups, females predominated, with 70% being insured by Medicaid. Mean Emergency Department encounters were statistically significantly lower among Lx-SCD adults. Discussion Lx-SCD differ in age, genotype, and Emergency Department utilization, when compared to NLx-SCD counterparts in California. Latinx are now the largest racial and/or ethnic group in the US, and their presence in SCD population is expected to grow. Therefore, their specific demographic, genotypic, and health care utilization characteristics merit attention to inform policies and programs that will improve their health.