Objective: In this study, we aimed to examine the association of demographic and socioeconomic factors with cutaneous melanoma that required admission.
Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, 2003-2009, was merged with County Health Rankings Data.
Results: A total of 2,765 discharge -records were included. Men were more likely to have melanoma in the head, neck, and trunk regions (p < 0.001), while extremities melanoma was more common in women (p < 0.001). Males had a higher risk of lymph node metastasis on presentation (OR 1.54, 95% CI [1.27-1.89]). Blacks and Hispanics were more likely to present with extremities melanoma. Patients with low annual income were more likely to be treated by low-volume surgeons and in hospitals located in high-risk communities (p < 0.05 each). Patients with Medicaid coverage were twice as likely to present with distant metastasis and were more likely to be managed by low-volume surgeons (p < 0.05 each).
Conclusions: The presentation and outcomes of cutaneous melanoma have a distinct pattern of distribution based on patients' characteristics.
Keywords: Healthcare disparities; Inpatients; Melanoma; Outcome assessment; Social class.
© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.