Introduction and Objective: Prior studies show that 30-40% of US older adults delay medical care. Such delays have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes, health disparities, and higher healthcare costs. Our study aims to identify factors linked to delays or non-receipt of medical care among older adults with diabetes using data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS).Methods: Data from 1,104 adults aged ≥50 with diabetes were analyzed. The outcomes included delays or non-receipt of medical care in the past year. Independent variables were demographic, socioeconomic, co-morbidities, and social risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with delay or non-receipt of care.Results: Thirty percent of participants reported delays or non-receipt of care. The two groups did not differ in age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, income, or insurance status. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, individuals from other ethnic groups (AI/AN, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, & non-Hispanic multiple races) had lower odds of delays (OR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.16-0.85). Further, depression/anxiety (OR=2.08; 95% CI: 1.20-3.60), food insecurity (OR=2.92; CI: 1.29-6.63), and lack of transportation (OR=2.26; 95% CI: 1.01-5.07) were significantly associated with delay or non-receipt of medical care.Conclusion: Depression/anxiety, food insecurity, and transportation barriers are linked to delayed care among older adults with diabetes. Targeted interventions addressing these factors may improve care access.
S.C. Iregbu: None. S. Bhandari: None.
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