(A1117) Factors Affecting Chronic Rhinosinusitis Outcomes in Asian Patients: A Retrospective Study in Boston Chinatown

Introduction: Limited information is known about the disease course of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in Asian and specifically Chinese patients, populations which are often underrepresented in clinical studies. This study aims to assess CRS management in Asian and Chinese patients compared to others and identify factors which may affect sinonasal outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective chart review examines adult patients who presented to the otolaryngology clinic between 2022-2024 at an academic hospital serving a large Asian and Chinese population. Eligible patients included those who self-reported their race and ethnicity in the electronic medical record and who had an ICD-10 diagnosis of CRS and a procedure code for nasal endoscopy. Demographics, medical history, and prescribed treatments were extracted. Primary outcomes measured included total office visits, CRS treatments, and loss to follow-up. Secondary outcome measures compared differences in management between Asian and specifically Chinese patients and White patients, the primary control group. Statistical analysis including chi-square testing and logistic regression was performed.

Results: Data from 60 patients revealed that most White patients (n = 44) had private insurance (59%), while Medicaid was the most common insurance for Asian patients (n = 16) (44%), and Chinese patients (n = 14) (43%), with significant differences between White and Asian patients (p = 0.002) and White and Chinese patients (p = 0.005). Asian patients had a higher median number of office visits than White patients (5 vs. 2, p = 0.044). After controlling for insurance status, Chinese patients had 4.24 greater odds of being lost to follow-up than White patients, though this was not statistically significant (p = 0.06).

Conclusions: We note differences in CRS disease course in White patients compared to Asian and Chinese patients that may reflect a greater need for healthcare services for the latter group and subgroup. This may be linked to barriers in access to care and can better inform the CRS management of these patient populations in the Boston Chinatown area and other similar communities.