Racial/ethnic differences in obesity and comorbidities between safety-net- and non safety-net integrated health systems

Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Mar;96(11):e6326. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000006326.

Abstract

Previous research shows that patients in integrated health systems experience fewer racial disparities compared with more traditional healthcare systems. Little is known about patterns of racial/ethnic disparities between safety-net and non safety-net integrated health systems.We evaluated racial/ethnic differences in body mass index (BMI) and the Charlson comorbidity index from 3 non safety-net- and 1 safety-net integrated health systems in a cross-sectional study. Multinomial logistic regression modeled comorbidity and BMI on race/ethnicity and health care system type adjusting for age, sex, insurance, and zip-code-level incomeThe study included 1.38 million patients. Higher proportions of safety-net versus non safety-net patients had comorbidity score of 3+ (11.1% vs. 5.0%) and BMI ≥35 (27.7% vs. 15.8%). In both types of systems, blacks and Hispanics were more likely than whites to have higher BMIs. Whites were more likely than blacks or Hispanics to have higher comorbidity scores in a safety net system, but less likely to have higher scores in the non safety-nets. The odds of comorbidity score 3+ and BMI 35+ in blacks relative to whites were significantly lower in safety-net than in non safety-net settings.Racial/ethnic differences were present within both safety-net and non safety-net integrated health systems, but patterns differed. Understanding patterns of racial/ethnic differences in health outcomes in safety-net and non safety-net integrated health systems is important to tailor interventions to eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
  • Body Mass Index
  • Comorbidity
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Ethnicity / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data
  • Healthcare Disparities / ethnology*
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / ethnology*
  • Racial Groups / statistics & numerical data
  • Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • Safety-net Providers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sex Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • United States
  • White People / statistics & numerical data