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Regional Variation in Health Care Utilization Among Adults With Inadequate Cardiovascular Health in the USA
Abraham M Enyeji1, Noel C Barengo2,1,3, Gilbert Ramirez1
1Department of Global Health, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Works, Florida International University, Miami, USA.
Cureus
|September 26, 2023
Summary
Regional differences in healthcare utilization exist for individuals with poor cardiovascular health (CVH). Lower utilization rates in southern states correlate with higher coronary heart disease rates, highlighting disparities in access to care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Regional disparities in US health outcomes and services are documented.
- This study investigates if healthcare utilization differences explain regional outcome variations.
- Focus is on cardiovascular health (CVH) status and its impact on healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine regional variations in healthcare utilization among individuals with poor CVH compared to those with ideal/intermediate CVH.
- To identify how regional differences in healthcare usage have evolved over time.
- To inform public health interventions aimed at reducing healthcare access disparities.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analytical study using pooled data from 2008-2010 and 2018-2020.
- Multivariate Poisson's regression analyzed region's impact on healthcare utilization counts, controlling for covariates.
- Interaction terms assessed changes in regional healthcare usage over time, comparing non-southern regions to the South.
Main Results:
- Significant regional variation in healthcare utilization for individuals with poor CVH was observed.
- Lower utilization rates were primarily found in southern states, aligning with higher coronary heart disease prevalence.
- Improved CVH score significantly reduced healthcare utilization across all groups, with the Northeast showing highest usage.
Conclusions:
- Results indicate a need for public health interventions to address regional disparities in healthcare access for those at high risk of cardiovascular events.
- Interventions should consider individual factors alongside regional and policy contexts.
- Reducing disparities in healthcare utilization is crucial for improving cardiovascular health outcomes nationwide.
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