Health disparities among youth admitted for an eating disorder in an inpatient hospital setting

The rise of eating disorders (EDs) in youth has become increasingly studied and understood among the health care community in recent years. With the frequency at which these youths are requiring medical stabilization, the importance of further examining factors that may contribute to these rates, such as health disparities, has become of primary concern for prevention and treatment efforts. Health disparities and related factors among youth hospitalized for medical stabilization secondary to an ED are examined to expand provider knowledge about this population and identify areas for improvement. Electronic medical record (EMR) retrospective (2017–2022) review was conducted within a southeast metropolitan children’s hospital (N = 91, ages 9–19 years) examining comparisons between Latinx and non-Latinx youth, insurance type, previous admissions for similar presentation, and ED-related characteristics. Results show Latinx patients were found to be admitted (p =.013, p =.002) and discharged (p =.003, p <.001) with higher scores on measures of body composition than non-Latinx patients. Additionally, higher rates of public insurance among Latinx patients (p <.001) and higher readmission rates among patients with public insurance (p <.001) were observed. Authors provide suggestions for improving screening practices and advocacy efforts to help increase ED treatment options for youth that may have limited access.