Examining the Role of Social Determinants of Health in Preventable Hospitalization Rates in Miami-Dade County,...

Introduction Ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) are acute or chronic health issues with increased preventable hospitalization rates. Literature shows that elevated ACSC hospitalization rates are associated with social determinants of health (SDoH), limited healthcare access, and poor health outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare SDoH and hospitalization rates in two adjacent municipalities in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Methods Time trends of ACSC hospitalization rates from 2017 to 2021 in Florida, Miami-Dade County, & Miami Gardens were obtained utilizing established ACSC diagnoses: diabetes and associated complications, heart failure, hypertension, adult asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A secondary comparison of ACSC hospitalization rates and social determinants of health (SDoH) with the geographically adjacent municipality, Miami Lakes, was conducted. Results ACSC hospitalizations in Miami Gardens were double the hospitalizations in Miami-Dade County and Florida overall (e.g., 85.4 [78.7-92.1] per 10,000 in Miami Gardens vs. 34.6 [34.2-35.0] per 10,000 in Miami-Dade County vs. 35.8 per 10,000 in Florida due to heart failure). However, the hospitalization rates in Miami Lakes were much lower. Descriptive analysis of SDoH between both cities indicated significant disparities, with a greater percentage of households in Miami Gardens living below the federal poverty level, receiving SNAP, and lacking Internet access. Conclusion Preventable ACSC hospitalizations in Miami Gardens, FL, have remained high in recent years, in comparison to the state of Florida and Miami-Dade County. A secondary descriptive comparison with the geographically adjacent municipality, Miami Lakes, reveals that these elevated hospitalization rates may be associated with SDoH. Further research should continue to explore trends in ACSC hospitalization rates within underserved communities in the US to uncover possible health disparities.