Bridging Health Equity Gaps: Unveiling the Complex Relationship between Hospital-Associated Infections and Disparities in Urban and Rural Healthcare Facilities

A study has found that the risks of certain hospital-associated infections differ between urban and rural healthcare facilities, suggesting a complex relationship between health equity and infection risk. Researchers at ASRT, led by epidemiologist Tamia M. Dixon, analyzed data from 14 healthcare facilities across nine regions of Louisiana in 2022, as collected by the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network. The study’s findings, presented at the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Spring Conference in Houston, reveal that factors related to health equity affect the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections and MRSA.

Dixon explains the significance of this research in a video interview, stating that “the result of the study is having a better understanding of incidence rates in Louisiana associated with these certain infections and how we can better understand and provide targeted interventions for these facilities with these high incidence rates.” By analyzing data from both urban and rural settings, researchers can identify opportunities to implement targeted interventions to improve infection rates in these facilities. Through a better understanding of the relationship between health equity and infection risks, healthcare providers can work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system for all patients.

This study highlights the importance of addressing health equity issues within hospitals to reduce infection risks. By identifying disparities in infection rates between different types of healthcare facilities, researchers emphasize the need for tailored interventions to address these issues. Overall, this research offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between health equity and incidence rates of hospital-associated infections.