Sex differences in frequent ED use among those with multimorbid chronic diseases

The objectives were to examine the association between multimorbid chronic disease and frequency of past 6 months emergency department (ED) visits, by sex, in a community sample of adults from North Florida (N=7143).

Data came from HealthStreet, a community engagement program at the University of Florida which uses the Community Health Worker Model to assess community member health conditions and concerns, and willingness to participate in health research. Using logistic regression, we estimated associations between multimorbid chronic disease and frequent ED use using sex as an effect modifier.

Multimorbid chronic disease was associated with frequent ED use overall, with a stronger association among men. Of the 7143 respondents, 14.4% were frequent ED users, 58.0% were female, and 61.5% were black non-Hispanic. Major findings included that women with 3+ chronic diseases were 2.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.7-3.6) times as likely as women without chronic diseases to report frequent ED use, compared with men with 3+ chronic diseases, who were 4.98 (95% confidence interval, 2.9-8.6) times as likely as men without chronic disease to report frequent ED use.

Multimorbid chronic disease is very strongly associated with frequent ED use among all, but the association is especially strong among men. Future research is needed to further understand this association and its implication for health care.