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Racial Disparities in Healthcare Utilization Among Individuals with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Comorbid Anxiety Disorder

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Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

This study addresses racial/ethnic differences in adverse health care utilization among individuals with comorbid anxiety disorder and cardiometabolic syndrome (CMetS) risk factors.

Methods

Utilizing 2011–2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data, logistic regression models were estimated to determine the likelihood of receiving CMetS-related medical treatment in the emergency department (ED) or via inpatient services and to determine if the likelihood is associated with race/ethnicity. Adjusted models controlled for age, sex, and insurance type.

Results

Significant racial-ethnic differences were observed for utilization (any emergency department and/or inpatient visit). The odds of non-Hispanic Black respondents reporting emergency department and/or inpatient utilization was 2.39 (p < 0.05) times the odds of non-Hispanic White respondents.

Conclusion

Racial-ethnic variation in adverse healthcare utilization suggests an opportunity to improve care and outcomes for persons diagnosed with comorbid anxiety disorder and cardiometabolic syndrome. Integrated interventions could simultaneously improve mental health and facilitate CMetS disease self-management.

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Funding

This study was funded by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (grant number 73825).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Center for Translational Behavioral Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, 2010 Levy Ave., Bldg. B, Suite 266, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA

    Tyra Dark

  2. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA

    George Rust & Jeffrey S. Harman

  3. Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA

    Gabriella Sehres

Authors
  1. Tyra Dark
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  2. George Rust
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  4. Jeffrey S. Harman
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Correspondence to Tyra Dark.

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Dark, T., Rust, G., Sehres, G. et al. Racial Disparities in Healthcare Utilization Among Individuals with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Comorbid Anxiety Disorder. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 7, 1234–1240 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-020-00748-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-020-00748-0

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