Original Research Article
Kayla Haydon, Catarina Jim, Joel Mantilla, Noel Barengo
Objective
Healthcare disparities disproportionately affect underserved and marginalized
communities due to social determinants of health (SDoH), contributing to
significant differences in health outcomes and life expectancy within different
communities in Florida. This observational study aimed to understand the impact
of SDoH, such as race/ethnicity, income level, and education attainment on
healthcare access in Florida.
Methods
Self-reported data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were
pooled to evaluate disparities in healthcare access by race/ethnicity, income,
and education level in Florida.
Results
Health status and healthcare access vary based on characteristics related to
SDoH, including race/ethnicity, income level, and educational attainment. Health
status and healthcare access increased with income and education attainment.
There were no significant disparities in health status and healthcare access
among racial and ethnic groups.
Conclusion
While race and ethnicity were not significant predictors of health status nor
healthcare access, income level and education were positively correlated which
may be related to policy including Florida's lack of Medicaid expansion or
population characteristics such as health-seeking behaviors. Understanding the
prevalence of healthcare disparities based on SDoH can inform and support the
implementation of evidence-based strategies for improving the accessibility and
affordability of culturally competent care for underserved populations.