Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Environmental Respiratory Allergies Among Cancer Patients: National Health Interview Survey Analysis

Background Environmental respiratory allergies (ERA) have been increasing in recent years, impacting the quality of life of people, especially those with underlying health conditions such as cancer. This study examined the prevalence, association, and racial/ethnic disparities in ERA diagnosis among cancer patients in the United States. Methods We analyzed a retrospective cross-sectional dataset obtained from the National Health Interview Survey (2021) involving weighted samples of 1,879 U.S. adults aged ≥ 18 years. Bivariate Chi-Square tests, multivariable logistic regression analysis, and absolute difference and relative/odds ratio were conducted to examine the disparities in race/ethnicity association with ERA among cancer patients, adjusting for sociodemographic (age, sex, marital status, and region) and socioeconomic (education and health insurance) factors. Results The prevalence rate of ERA among cancer patients was 55.5% and there was a significant difference based on race/ethnicity. Non-Hispanic other/Multiracial had the highest prevalence of ERA (83.1%), followed by non-Hispanic Asians (68.2%), and non-Hispanic Black/African American (65.2%). Non-Hispanic Other/Multiracial cancer patients had significantly higher odds of ERA compared to non-Hispanic Whites in sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and fully adjusted models, respectively. Similarly, Non-Hispanic Blacks/African Americans were more likely to experience ERA compared to non-Hispanic Whites (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.00-2.56) after adjusting for education and health insurance. Additionally, all combined race/ethnic minority cancer patients were 1.22 times more likely to be at risk of ERA than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Conclusion This study demonstrates that racial/ethnic disparities exist in ERA diagnosis among cancer patients. Therefore, targeted interventions aimed at addressing these disparities can help improve the quality of life for cancer patients.