Racial and Gender Disparities in Nasal Foreign Bodies in Pediatric Patients: A Decade-Long Analysis of U.S. Emergency Department Presentations

Abstract

This study is a comprehensive epidemiological assessment of nasal foreign bodies (NFB) in pediatric patients, focusing on racial and gender disparities in incidence and outcomes. Pediatric NFB case data in children aged 0 to 12 was collected from The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) spanning 2012-2021. Emergency room disposition was classified into treatment and release, hospitalization, and leaving against medical advice. Chi-square analysis was used to assess variations. Incidence of NFBs was significantly higher in African American Children (P < .05) and in female patients, who were also less likely to be admitted and more likely to leave against medical advice (P < .05). Disposition data similarly unveiled African American and Asian American children were less likely to be admitted and more likely to leave against medical advice (P < .05). The observed disparities emphasize the imperative for community-specific interventions and spotlight potential systemic biases warranting further investigation in health care delivery.