This retrospective review of 4-year surveillance data revealed a higher central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate in non-Hispanic Black patients and higher catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rates in Asian and non-Hispanic Black patients compared with White patients despite similar catheter utilization between the groups.
Health disparities are differences in the burden of disease, injuries, access, and opportunities that are related to economic, social, political, and environmental disadvantages. Inequities faced by minoritized racial and ethnic groups contribute to health disparities and poorer health outcomes across many domains. Exacerbation of disparities during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has helped raise awareness of health inequities. However, there is limited evidence related to disparities in healthcare-associated infections (HAI) based on age, hospital type, and race or ethnicity. Additionally, there are no national standards on whether race and ethnicity data should be included in HAI surveillance systems and how these data should be equitably used to guide prevention efforts. The objective of this study was to explore the differences in the rates of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in a representative cohort of hospitalized patients at a large academic medical center.