Clinical and Healthcare Utilization Factors Associated With Hospital Readmission Among Diabetic Patients

Hospital readmission among diabetic patients remains a significant challenge for healthcare systems due to its association with increased clinical burden, healthcare costs, and reduced quality of care. This study aimed to examine the clinical and healthcare utilization factors associated with hospital readmission among diabetic patients. A quantitative analytical design was employed using a structured dataset comprising 25,000 patient records with variables related to demographic characteristics, clinical indicators, healthcare utilization, and readmission status. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to identify patterns and associations between study variables and hospital readmission. The results indicated that 47.02% of patients experienced readmission, highlighting a substantial readmission burden. Clinical factors such as age, primary diagnosis, medication use, and medication change were associated with variations in readmission rates. Patients with diabetes as the primary diagnosis and those undergoing medication adjustments showed relatively higher readmission levels. Healthcare utilization factors demonstrated the strongest association, with readmission rates increasing significantly among patients with higher numbers of prior inpatient, emergency, and outpatient visits. Additionally, longer hospital stays and higher healthcare utilization were observed among readmitted patients. The findings suggest that hospital readmission among diabetic patients is influenced by both clinical complexity and prior healthcare utilization. Identifying high-risk patients based on these factors can support targeted interventions, improve discharge planning, and enhance continuity of care. These insights contribute to evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing readmission rates and improving overall patient outcomes in diabetes management.