Mapping melanoma in Hawai'i with inpatient discharge data from 2016 to 2023: Community determinants and anatomic distribution patterns.

BACKGROUND

Hawai'i has above average rates of melanoma, with head and neck melanoma (HNM) considered the most severe. Analysis of discharge records can reveal disease patterns, and demographic and geographic disparities.

OBJECTIVE

To describe community and individual factors associated with Hawai'i's melanoma inpatients between 2016 and 2023.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with melanoma were identified from inpatient discharge records filed between 2016 and 2023. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with HNM for inpatients. Zero-truncated negative binomial regression examined factors associated with length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Of 409 inpatients with melanoma diagnoses, 67 had it as a principal diagnosis. HNM was less likely to be a secondary diagnosis. HNM was more commonly observed among males, age > 80, or Maui residents. Among patients with principal diagnoses, non-White patients (including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NH-PI)) were more likely to have longer LOS than White patients, as did those with more secondary diagnoses LIMITATIONS: The prevalence of melanoma in Hawai'i cannot be inferred, given the focus on inpatient data, along with the absence of data from the self-governed health systems. Melanoma subtypes were not analyzed due to insufficient data.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalization for melanoma in Hawai'i was associated with male sex, age, and resident area. NH-PI, and those having a greater number of secondary diagnoses had longer LOS.