# Impact of Gender and Race on Gastrointestinal Diseases in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Nationwide Analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds racial and gender differences in gastrointestinal diseases among Parkinson's patients in the US, highlighting the need for equitable care.

## Contribution

The study reveals specific disparities in GI disease prevalence among different racial and gender groups in PD patients using a large national dataset.

## Key findings

- White females had higher odds of GERD, constipation, gastroparesis, and IBS compared to White males.
- Black and Hispanic patients had higher odds of gastrostomy tube placement compared to White males.
- Hispanic females and Asian males had higher odds of Helicobacter pylori infection compared to White males.

## Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are common non‐motor features of Parkinson's disease (PD), significantly impacting quality of life. The impact of racial and gender disparities in this population remains underexplored. This study examines the association of race and gender with GI diseases in hospitalized patients with PD.

A retrospective study using the National Inpatient Sample was conducted, including 124,345 hospitalized patients with PD. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between GI diseases and race/ethnicity (White, Black, Hispanic) and sex, adjusting for confounders.

Overall prevalence of GI diseases in PD was 48.49%. Compared with White males, Black males had higher odds of dysphagia (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04–1.56), and both Black (aOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.48–3.36) and Hispanic patients (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.05–2.77) had significantly higher odds of gastrostomy tube placement. White females had significantly higher odds of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.25–1.46), constipation (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.23–1.59), gastroparesis (GP) (aOR 3.44, 95% CI 2.23–5.31), and IBS (aOR 3.1, 95% CI 2.2–4.2), but lower odds of dysphagia (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.74–0.91), compared with White males. Hispanic females (aOR 2.64, 95% CI 1.52–4.56, p < 0.01) and Asian males (aOR 2.82, 95% CI 1.47– 5.41, p < 0.01) demonstrated significantly higher odds of H. pylori compared with white males.

Significant racial and gender disparities were observed in GI diseases among hospitalized patients with PD. White females showed higher odds of GERD, constipation, GP, and IBS, while Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to require gastrostomy tube placement. Helicobacter pylori infection was higher in Hispanic females and Asian males when comapred to White males. These differences highlight the need for tailored, equitable care strategies and further research to better understand and address disparities in PD‐related GI outcomes.