Urosepsis in Older Adults: Epidemiologic Trends in Florida

ABSTRACT

The incidence and geographic distribution of urosepsis, a life-threatening condition in older adults, is not well understood. The Florida State Inpatient Databases (2012–2014) showed an increase in the incidence of community-acquired urosepsis (5.37 to 6.16 per 1000), particularly among Hispanic older adults residing in low socioeconomic, urban areas with large numbers of nursing homes. These findings suggest a state policy is needed to address community-based preventative care and education for early detection of urosepsis in low-income urban areas. It is important for local health departments to partner with nursing homes to address disparities in care that disproportionally impact Hispanics.

KEYWORDS:

• Community-acquired
• hospital-acquired
• older adults
• sepsis
• urosepsis

Disclosure statement

We have no financial interests or benefits to disclose.

Data availability statement

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Data were purchased from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs data were publicly available: http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/pubs/stats/County_2016/florida_map.html

Key points

• There has been an increase in the incidence of urosepsis among older adults.

• Hospital-acquired urosepsis has decreased statewide in Florida.

• Community-acquired urosepsis has increased in low income, urban areas in Florida.

• Health agencies should consider these findings when revising health plans.

Additional information

Funding

We have no funding to report for this study.