Negative social determinants of health are linked to lung cancer screening underutilization

This study aimed to examine the association between social determinants of health (SDOH) and lung cancer screening (LCS) utilization.

We analyzed data from 15,957 LCS-eligible individuals in the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Primary outcomes included ever having (lifetime) LCS and meeting LCS recommendations (i.e., annual LCS). Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between LCS outcomes and 12 adverse SDOH factors, controlling for covariates (i.e., demographics, diagnosis of asthma/COPD, and perceived general health status).

LCS-eligible individuals with more adverse SDOH had lower odds of ever having LCS and being up to date. Those with ≥5 adverse SDOH had the lowest odds of having lifetime LCS (AOR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.45-0.74) and meeting LCS recommendations (AOR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.36-0.65) compared to those with none. Life dissatisfaction, lack of social and emotional support, housing insecurity, lack of health insurance, and cost as a barrier for needed medical care were independently associated with lower LCS uptake.

Having more adverse SDOH was associated with a lower likelihood of having lifetime LCS and meeting the recommendation, with life dissatisfaction, lack of social and emotional support, housing insecurity, lack of health insurance, and medical care cost being independently associated factors.