Investigating the association between blue light cystoscopy utilization and social determinants of health.

INTRODUCTION

Blue light cystoscopy (BLC) improves bladder cancer (BCa) detection. No studies have evaluated socioeconomic inequity in the utilization of BLC.

METHODS

An institutional bladder tumor (TURBT) database (2016-2023) was retrospectively reviewed and BLC and white light cystoscopy (WLC) recipients were compared. Demographic and insurance data were collected. Socioeconomic Status (SES) was determined using a validated national and Rhode Island Area Deprivation Index (ADI).

RESULTS

2122 Rhode Island patients underwent TURBT and 32.23% had BLC. BLC recipients were younger (mean age 71.5 vs 73.8 years, p < 0.001), more likely married (69.6% vs 57.2%, p < 0.001), more likely English speakers (93.3% vs 91.9%, p = 0.015), and more likely to have private insurance (34.2% vs 27%, p = 0.001). BLC recipients had less socioeconomic disadvantage (p < 0.001): lower mean National (36.2 vs 38.7) and State (4.8 vs 5.2) ADI.

CONCLUSION

SES is associated with BLC utilization, which may negatively influence BCa outcomes.