Research Article
Health Informatics Analysis of Respiratory Disease Disparities Among Diverse Patient Populations
Philip de Melo*
,
Mildred Jackson,
Aleysia James,
Keanna Lawrence,
Shakira McElveen,
Heaven Mitchell,
Angel Tolbert-Abdullah,
Ashley Wallace,
Jasmine Waller
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
103-114
Received:
14 May 2026
Accepted:
25 May 2026
Published:
30 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.mhs.20260203.11
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Views:
Abstract: This study examines racial variation in length of stay (LOS) among patients hospitalized for respiratory illness in Texas to determine whether observed differences represent true health disparities or reflect underlying demographic and structural factors. Using population health principles, the analysis compares both total LOS and average LOS across racial groups, evaluates the impact of missing race data, and assesses age distribution as a potential confounding variable. Findings indicate that total LOS disproportionately reflects population size, with White patients demonstrating the highest aggregate LOS largely due to greater representation in older age groups. However, when LOS is measured at the individual level using average LOS, differences between racial groups become less pronounced. The analysis also identifies the “Null” race category as a source of missing demographic data that may introduce bias and affect the validity of disparity assessments. Additionally, age distribution patterns suggest that age significantly influences LOS outcomes and may confound interpretations of racial disparities. These findings demonstrate that raw differences in healthcare outcomes should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of inequity without adjustment for demographic and contextual variables. The study highlights the importance of using standardized, age-adjusted, and population-sensitive measures in population health analytics to ensure accurate interpretation of disparities and support equitable healthcare decision-making in Texas.
Abstract: This study examines racial variation in length of stay (LOS) among patients hospitalized for respiratory illness in Texas to determine whether observed differences represent true health disparities or reflect underlying demographic and structural factors. Using population health principles, the analysis compares both total LOS and average LOS acros...
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Research Article
Performance Evaluation of TB-LAMP in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
115-120
Received:
19 January 2026
Accepted:
5 March 2026
Published:
2 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.mhs.20260203.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), is one of the most common infectious diseases, especially in countries with limited healthcare resources. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to curb its spread, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable molecular diagnostic method. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of TB-LAMP as a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool for pulmonary TB and compare it with direct smears and Gene Xpert, using culture as a reference. Materials: Between February and July 2025, a total of 397 patients (227 men and 170 women) were enrolled in the study. Samples were tested by smear microscopy, culture, Xpert MTB/RIF, and TB-LAMP. Results: Of the 397 patients, 84 (21.15%) were culture-positive. Among culture-positive patients, 81 (96.4%) were positive by Gene Xpert, 69 (82.1%) by TB-LAMP, and 49 (58.3%) by direct smear microscopy. Using culture as the reference standard, the specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the TB-LAMP assay were 82.1% (73.9%–90.3%), 99.0% (97.9%–100%), 95.8% (91.2%–100%), and 95.4% (93.1%–97.7%), respectively. Conclusions: The TB-LAMP assay exhibits high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, making it a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable alternative to conventional methods, especially in resource-poor settings.
Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), is one of the most common infectious diseases, especially in countries with limited healthcare resources. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to curb its spread, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable molecular diagno...
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