Examining disparities in the long term follow-up of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit graduates in Nebraska, U.S.A.

Purpose To determine contributing factors related to rates of completion in a NICU follow-up clinic in Nebraska, U.S.A. Methods The sample included 5856 children. All participants were eligible for a statewide follow-up program of infants from the major newborn intensive care units (NICUs) in Nebraska, U.S.A. Results Using binary logistic regression, several variables made significant contributions to the prediction of completion of follow-up services with payment type (Medicaid vs. private), minority status (minority vs. White), and health risk (low and high risk) producing the largest odds ratios. Specifically, those with Medicaid, of low health risk, and of minority status were less likely to complete follow-up services. Conclusions Insurance type and minority status emerged as the strongest predictors of completed follow-up. Additional findings revealed that infants characterized as moderate risk, male, and had lower birth weight, lower gestational age, and lived in a rural areas were most likely to attend all follow up visits.