National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 25 of 27 Research Studies DisplayedCheng TL, Mistry KB
AHRQ Author: Mistry KB
Clarity on disparity: who, what, when, where, why, and how.
This purpose of this article was to explain a comprehensive framework of health disparities descriptors that can offer a systematic approach to advance the understanding of causes of health disparities and facilitate action steps to ensure health equity.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Cheng TL, Mistry KB .
Clarity on disparity: who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Pediatr Clin North Am 2023 Aug; 70(4):639-50. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.03.003..
Keywords: Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, Newborns/Infants, Mortality, Health Status, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Access to Care
Lee CI, Zhu W, Onega T
Comparative access to and use of digital breast tomosynthesis screening by women's race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
This study looked at access to digital breast tomography (DBT) versus regular mammography and whether women of minority race/ethnicity and lower socioeconomic status experienced lower DBT access during the early adoption period and persistently lower DBT use over time. This cross-sectional study included 92 geographically diverse imaging facilities across 5 US states, with over 2.3 million screening examinations performed among women aged 40 to 89 years from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2017. Data were analyzed from June 2019, to August 2020. Women who used DBT increased for all women from 3.3% in 2011 to 82.6% in 2017. In 2012, Black, Hispanic, Asian American, and women with less than a high school education had lower DBT access compared to White women attending the same facility and also college graduates. Lower DBT access continued over time regardless of the number of years after facility-level DBT adoption.
AHRQ-funded; HS018366.
Citation: Lee CI, Zhu W, Onega T .
Comparative access to and use of digital breast tomosynthesis screening by women's race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
JAMA Netw Open 2021 Feb;4(2):e2037546. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.37546..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Imaging, Access to Care, Women, Social Determinants of Health, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Screening
Hammad Mrig E
Integrating fundamental cause theory and Bourdieu to explain pathways between socioeconomic status and health: the case of health insurance denials for genetic testing.
This paper proposes that Pierre Bourdieu's theories of capital and symbolic power can be integrated with fundamental cause theory to address limitations in the latter theory, making it more useful in health disparities research. This work deepens appreciation for the durable relationship between socioeconomic status and health. Study results reveal the multiple and complex mechanisms that play a role in access to healthcare services, which has significant implications for how we think about the role of health policy in addressing health disparities.
AHRQ-funded; HS017589.
Citation: Hammad Mrig E .
Integrating fundamental cause theory and Bourdieu to explain pathways between socioeconomic status and health: the case of health insurance denials for genetic testing.
Sociol Health Illn 2021 Jan;43(1):133-48. doi: 10.1111/1467-9566.13195..
Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Disparities, Health Insurance, Access to Care, Genetics, Policy
Roberts ET, Mehrotra A
Assessment of disparities in digital access among Medicare beneficiaries and implications for telemedicine.
In this study, the investigators examined disparities in digital access (ie, access at home to technology that enables video telemedicine visits) among Medicare beneficiaries by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. The investigators concluded that the proportion of beneficiaries who lacked digital access was higher among those with low socioeconomic status, those 85 years or older, and in communities of color.
AHRQ-funded; HS026727.
Citation: Roberts ET, Mehrotra A .
Assessment of disparities in digital access among Medicare beneficiaries and implications for telemedicine.
JAMA Intern Med 2020 Oct;180(10):1386-89. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.2666..
Keywords: Elderly, Medicare, Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Disparities, Access to Care, Social Determinants of Health, Low-Income, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Fiori KP, Heller CG, Rehm CD
Unmet social needs and no-show visits in primary care in a US Northeastern urban health system, 2018-2019.
This study used results from a 10-item social needs screener conducted across 19 primary care practices in Bronx County, New York to determine reasons for no-show appointments between April 2018 and July 2019. They examined the association between unmet needs and a 2-year history of missed appointments from 41,637 patients. Overall, the no-show appointment rate was 26.6%. Patients with 1 or more unmet social needs had a significantly higher no-show proportion (31.5%) than those without (26.3%). The strongest association with no-shows was with transportation problems.
AHRQ-funded; HS026396.
Citation: Fiori KP, Heller CG, Rehm CD .
Unmet social needs and no-show visits in primary care in a US Northeastern urban health system, 2018-2019.
Am J Public Health 2020 Jul;110(S2):S242-s50. doi: 10.2105/ajph.2020.305717..
Keywords: Urban Health, Primary Care, Access to Care, Social Determinants of Health
Ellis RJ, Schlick CJR, Feinglass J
Failure to administer recommended chemotherapy: acceptable variation or cancer care quality blind spot?
This study examined hospital variation in cancer patients who did not receive recommended chemotherapy. Patients with breast, colon, and lung cancers who did not receive chemotherapy from 2000 to 2015 were identified from the National Cancer Database. A total of 183,148 patients at 1281 hospitals were included. For breast cancer, 3.5% of patients failed to receive recommended chemotherapy, and 6.6% with colon, and 10.7% with lung cancer. Sociodemographic factors showed that patients were less likely to receive chemotherapy if they were uninsured or on Medicaid, as were non-Hispanic black patients with both breast and colon cancer. There was also significant hospital variation with failure to administer as high as 21.8% for breast, 40.2% for colon, and 40.0% for lung cancer.
AHRQ-funded; HS000078; HS026385.
Citation: Ellis RJ, Schlick CJR, Feinglass J .
Failure to administer recommended chemotherapy: acceptable variation or cancer care quality blind spot?
BMJ Qual Saf 2020 Feb;29(2):103-12. doi: 10.1136/bmjqs-2019-009742..
Keywords: Treatments, Cancer, Healthcare Delivery, Access to Care, Healthcare Utilization, Social Determinants of Health, Vulnerable Populations, Uninsured, Hospitals, Quality of Care
Wong MS, Arnold CM, Roberts ET
The relationship between federal housing assistance and uptake of cancer screening among low-income adults.
The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between participation in federal housing assistance programs and self-reported cancer screening among low-income adults. The investigators concluded that their results reinforced the need to improve rates of screening and suggested that providing housing assistance, in and of itself, may be insufficient to overcome the multiple access barriers that low-income populations face.
AHRQ-funded; HS000029.
Citation: Wong MS, Arnold CM, Roberts ET .
The relationship between federal housing assistance and uptake of cancer screening among low-income adults.
J Gen Intern Med 2019 Dec;34(12):2714-16. doi: 10.1007/s11606-019-05037-z..
Keywords: Cancer, Screening, Low-Income, Vulnerable Populations, Access to Care, Healthcare Utilization, Social Determinants of Health
Kim B, Callander D, DiClemente R
Location of pre-exposure prophylaxis services across New York City neighborhoods: do neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics and HIV incidence Matter?
This study analyzed the New York City geographic distribution of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) providers and the relationship between their location, neighborhood characteristics, and HIV incidence using spatial analytic methods. Results showed that neighborhood socio-demographic measures of race/ethnicity, income, insurance coverage, or same-sex couple household, were not associated with PrEP provider density, and PrEP providers were located in high HIV-incidence neighborhoods. These findings validate the need for ongoing policy interventions in relation to PrEP provider locations in New York City and inform the design of future PrEP implementation strategies, such as public health campaigns and navigation assistance for low-cost insurance.
AHRQ-funded; HS026120.
Citation: Kim B, Callander D, DiClemente R .
Location of pre-exposure prophylaxis services across New York City neighborhoods: do neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics and HIV incidence Matter?
AIDS Behav 2019 Oct;23(10):2795-802. doi: 10.1007/s10461-019-02609-2..
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Prevention, Access to Care, Social Determinants of Health
Jarman MP, Pollack Porter K, Curriero FC
Factors mediating demographic determinants of injury mortality.
The authors investigated the role of injury characteristics and access to trauma care as mediators of the relationships between race, ethnicity, sex, and injury mortality. They found that distance, injury characteristics, and insurance mediate the effects of demographic characteristics on injury mortality and appear to contribute to disparities in injury mortality.
AHRQ-funded; HS000029.
Citation: Jarman MP, Pollack Porter K, Curriero FC .
Factors mediating demographic determinants of injury mortality.
Ann Epidemiol 2019 Jun;34:58-64.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.03.013..
Keywords: Access to Care, Disparities, Injuries and Wounds, Mortality, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Sex Factors, Social Determinants of Health, Trauma
Jarman MP, Curriero FC, Haut ER
Associations of distance to trauma care, community income, and neighborhood median age with rates of injury mortality.
The purpose of this study was to examine the association of injury scene characteristics with injury mortality. The study concluded that injury scene characteristics are associated with injury mortality. The authors found that odds of death are highest for patients injured in communities with higher median age or lower per capita income and at locations farthest from level 1 or 2 trauma centers.
AHRQ-funded; HS000029.
Citation: Jarman MP, Curriero FC, Haut ER .
Associations of distance to trauma care, community income, and neighborhood median age with rates of injury mortality.
JAMA Surg 2018 Jun;153(6):535-43. doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2017.6133..
Keywords: Access to Care, Mortality, Social Determinants of Health, Trauma, Injuries and Wounds
Taira DA, Shen C, King M
Access to medications for Medicare enrollees related to race/ethnicity: results from the 2013 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey.
Prescription medications are taken by millions of Americans to manage chronic conditions and treat acute conditions. These medications, however, are not equally accessible to all. The purpose of this study was to examine medication access by race/ethnicity among Medicare beneficiaries. The authors found that possible interventions for non-Hispanic blacks might include assisting them in finding the best drug plan to meeting their needs, connecting them to medication assistance programs, and discussing convenience of pharmacy with patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS023185.
Citation: Taira DA, Shen C, King M .
Access to medications for Medicare enrollees related to race/ethnicity: results from the 2013 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey.
Res Social Adm Pharm 2017 Nov;13(6):1208-13. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2016.10.021..
Keywords: Access to Care, Medicare, Medication, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Social Determinants of Health
Attanasio L, Kozhimannil KB
Health care engagement and follow-up after perceived discrimination in maternity care.
The authors sought to determine if perceived discrimination during the birth hospitalization is associated with postpartum follow-up care. Using data from the Listening to Mothers III survey, they found that women who experienced perceived discrimination (race/ethnicity, insurance type, difference of opinion with provider about care) had more than twice the odds of postpartum visit nonattendance, after adjusting for socioeconomic and medical characteristics.
AHRQ-funded; HS024215.
Citation: Attanasio L, Kozhimannil KB .
Health care engagement and follow-up after perceived discrimination in maternity care.
Med Care 2017 Sep;55(9):830-33. doi: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000000773.
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Keywords: Access to Care, Maternal Care, Patient Experience, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Social Determinants of Health
Carr BG, Bowman AJ, Wolff CS
Disparities in access to trauma care in the United States: a population-based analysis.
This study examined the association between geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic factors and trauma center access, with subgroup analyses of urban-rural disparities. It concluded that, while the majority of the United States has access to trauma care within an hour, almost 30 million US residents do not. Significant disparities in access were evident for vulnerable populations defined by insurance status, income, and rurality.
AHRQ-funded; HS017960.
Citation: Carr BG, Bowman AJ, Wolff CS .
Disparities in access to trauma care in the United States: a population-based analysis.
Injury 2017 Feb;48(2):332-38. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2017.01.008.
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Keywords: Access to Care, Disparities, Health Services Research (HSR), Social Determinants of Health, Trauma
Caldwell JT, Ford CL, Wallace SP
Racial and ethnic residential segregation and access to health care in rural areas.
This study examined the relationship between racial/ethnic residential segregation and access to health care in rural areas. In rural areas, segregation contributed to worse access to a usual source of health care but higher reports of health care needs being met among African Americans and Hispanics.
AHRQ-funded; HS000078; HS022811.
Citation: Caldwell JT, Ford CL, Wallace SP .
Racial and ethnic residential segregation and access to health care in rural areas.
Health Place 2017 Jan;43:104-12. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.11.015.
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Keywords: Access to Care, Health Services Research (HSR), Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Rural Health, Social Determinants of Health
Caldwell JT, Ford CL, Wallace SP
Intersection of living in a rural versus urban area and race/ethnicity in explaining access to health care in the United States.
The researchers examined whether living in a rural versus urban area differentially exposes populations to social conditions associated with disparities in access to health care. They cocluded that rural status confers additional disadvantage for most of the health care use measures, independently of poverty and health care supply.
AHRQ-funded; HS022811.
Citation: Caldwell JT, Ford CL, Wallace SP .
Intersection of living in a rural versus urban area and race/ethnicity in explaining access to health care in the United States.
Am J Public Health 2016 Aug;106(8):1463-9. doi: 10.2105/ajph.2016.303212.
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Keywords: Rural Health, Urban Health, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Access to Care, Social Determinants of Health
Keohane LM, Rahman M, Mor V
Reforming access: trends in Medicaid enrollment for new Medicare beneficiaries, 2008-2011.
This study evaluated whether aligning the Part D low-income subsidy and Medicaid program enrollment pathways in 2010 increased Medicaid participation among new Medicare beneficiaries. It found that the percentage of beneficiaries enrolling in limited Medicaid at the start of Medicare coverage increased in 2010 by 0.3 percentage points for individuals aging into Medicare and by 1.3 percentage points for those qualifying due to disability.
AHRQ-funded; HS000011.
Citation: Keohane LM, Rahman M, Mor V .
Reforming access: trends in Medicaid enrollment for new Medicare beneficiaries, 2008-2011.
Health Serv Res 2016 Apr;51(2):550-69. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.12349.
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Keywords: Medicare, Medicaid, Policy, Access to Care, Social Determinants of Health
Bernard DM, Selden TM
AHRQ Author: Bernard DM, Selden TM
Access to care among nonelderly veterans.
This study compared access to care for nonelderly adult veterans versus comparable non-veterans, overall and within subgroups defined by simulated eligibility for health care from the Veterans Health Administration and by insurance status. Its results showed that uninsured Veterans, the most policy-relevant group, have better access to care than comparable non-veterans.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Bernard DM, Selden TM .
Access to care among nonelderly veterans.
Med Care 2016 Mar;54(3):243-52. doi: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000000508.
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Keywords: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Access to Care, Social Determinants of Health, Health Status
Jiang HJ, Boutwell AE, Maxwell J
AHRQ Author: Jiang HJ
Understanding patient, provider, and system factors related to Medicaid readmissions.
This study was undertaken to understand the complexity of Medicaid readmission issues at the patient, provider, and system levels. It found that significant risk factors for Medicaid readmissions included financial stress, high prevalence of mental health and substance abuse disorders, medication nonadherence, and housing instability. Lacking awareness on Medicaid patients' high risk, a sufficient business case, and proven strategies for reducing readmissions were primary barriers for providers.
AHRQ-authored; AHRQ-funded; 290201000034I; 290201000030I.
Citation: Jiang HJ, Boutwell AE, Maxwell J .
Understanding patient, provider, and system factors related to Medicaid readmissions.
Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2016 Mar;42(3):115-21.
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Keywords: Medicaid, Hospital Readmissions, Access to Care, Social Determinants of Health, Risk
Ray KN, Chari AV, Engberg J
Disparities in time spent seeking medical care in the United States.
The researchers assessed how time associated with medical visits varied across socioeconomic variables and visit characteristics. They determined that patients spent on average 123 minutes obtaining medical care, including 86 minutes of clinic time and 38 minutes travel time. Clinic time was significantly longer for racial/ethnic minorities, individuals with less education, and unemployed individuals.
AHRQ-funded; HS022989.
Citation: Ray KN, Chari AV, Engberg J .
Disparities in time spent seeking medical care in the United States.
JAMA Intern Med 2015 Dec;175(12):1983-6. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.4468..
Keywords: Disparities, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Social Determinants of Health, Access to Care, Quality of Care
Geissler KH, Becker C, Stearns SC
Exploring the association of homicides in northern Mexico and healthcare access for US residents.
The reesearchers analyzed whether recent increases in homicides in Mexico are associated with reduced healthcare access for US border residents. They found that, despite a decrease in border crossings, increased violence in Mexico did not appear to negatively affect healthcare access for US border residents.
AHRQ-funded; HS021074.
Citation: Geissler KH, Becker C, Stearns SC .
Exploring the association of homicides in northern Mexico and healthcare access for US residents.
J Immigr Minor Health 2015 Aug;17(4):1214-24. doi: 10.1007/s10903-014-0053-4.
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Keywords: Access to Care, Health Services Research (HSR), Social Determinants of Health
Davis AE, Mehrotra S, Friedewald JJ
Improving geographic equity in kidney transplantation using alternative kidney sharing and optimization modeling.
The authors analyzed current kidney allocation and developed an alternative kidney sharing strategy using a multiperiod linear optimization model, KSHARE, which aims to improve geographic equity in kidney transplantation while also respecting transplant system constraints and priorities. They used Organ Procurement and Transplant Network data to determine that enhancing the practice of sharing kidneys by the KSHARE model may increase geographic equity in kidney transplantation.
AHRQ-funded; HS021078.
Citation: Davis AE, Mehrotra S, Friedewald JJ .
Improving geographic equity in kidney transplantation using alternative kidney sharing and optimization modeling.
Med Decis Making 2015 Aug;35(6):797-807. doi: 10.1177/0272989x14557696.
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Keywords: Access to Care, Disparities, Health Services Research (HSR), Social Determinants of Health, Transplantation
Chang E, Chan KS, Han HR
Effect of acculturation on variations in having a usual source of care among Asian Americans and non-Hispanic whites in California.
This study explored factors influencing the disparity between Asian American and non-Hispanic whites in having a usual source of care (USC). The researchers found that the disparity in having a USC to be statistically nonsignificant after adding acculturation factors such as English proficiency and length of residence. Increasing levels of education and insurance were not associated with better access among Asian Americans.
AHRQ-funded; HS021684
Citation: Chang E, Chan KS, Han HR .
Effect of acculturation on variations in having a usual source of care among Asian Americans and non-Hispanic whites in California.
Am J Pub Health. 2015 Feb;105(2):398-407. doi: 10.2105/ajph.2014.301950..
Keywords: Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Access to Care
Boss EF, Benke JR, Tunkel DE
Public insurance and timing of polysomnography and surgical care for children with sleep-disordered breathing.
The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate receipt and timing of polysomnography (PSG) in relation to ultimate surgical therapy with adenotonsillectomy for children undergoing evaluation for sleep-disordered breathing and (2) to evaluate differences based on socioeconomic status. It found that referral for PSG resulted in significant loss to follow-up for all children and delayed definitive surgical treatment for children with public insurance.
AHRQ-funded; HS022932.
Citation: Boss EF, Benke JR, Tunkel DE .
Public insurance and timing of polysomnography and surgical care for children with sleep-disordered breathing.
JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2015 Feb;141(2):106-11. doi: 10.1001/jamaoto.2014.3085..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Sleep Problems, Social Determinants of Health, Access to Care, Health Insurance, Surgery
Angier H, Gregg J, Gold R
Understanding how low-income families prioritize elements of health care access for their children via the optimal care model.
The researchers explored low-income parents’ perspectives on accessing health care. Interviews with 29 Oregon parents revealed that affordability and limited availability were seen as barriers to care; while a continuous relationship with a health care provider helped them overcome these barriers. Parents also described the difficult decisions they made between affordability and acceptability in order to get the best care they could for their children.
AHRQ-funded; HS018569.
Citation: Angier H, Gregg J, Gold R .
Understanding how low-income families prioritize elements of health care access for their children via the optimal care model.
BMC Health Serv Res 2014 Nov 19;14:585. doi: 10.1186/s12913-014-0585-2..
Keywords: Access to Care, Children/Adolescents, Low-Income, Social Determinants of Health, Healthcare Costs
Wheeler SB, Kuo TM, Goyal RK
Regional variation in colorectal cancer testing and geographic availability of care in a publicly insured population.
The researchers examined colorectal cancer (CRC) testing across regions of North Carolina by using population-based Medicare and Medicaid claims data from disabled individuals who turned 50 years of age during 2003-2008. They found that fewer than 50% of eligible individuals had evidence of CRC testing; men, African-Americans, Medicaid beneficiaries, and those living furthest away from endoscopy facilities had significantly lower odds of CRC testing, with significant regional variation.
AHRQ-funded; HS019468.
Citation: Wheeler SB, Kuo TM, Goyal RK .
Regional variation in colorectal cancer testing and geographic availability of care in a publicly insured population.
Health Place 2014 Sep;29:114-23. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.07.001.
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Keywords: Access to Care, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Disparities, Screening, Social Determinants of Health