Prevalence and Predictors of Home Health Care Workers’ General, Physical, and Mental Health: Findings From the 2014‒2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

2021 ◽  
Vol 111 (12) ◽  
pp. 2239-2250
Author(s):  
Madeline R. Sterling ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Jacklyn Cho ◽  
Joanna Bryan Ringel ◽  
Sharon R. Silver
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Home Health Care ◽  
Home Health ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance ◽  
Risk Factor Surveillance ◽  
General Physical

Objectives. To determine the prevalence and predictors of US home health care workers’ (HHWs’) self-reported general, physical, and mental health. Methods. Using the 2014–2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we analyzed the characteristics and health of 2987 HHWs (weighted n = 659 000) compared with 2 similar low-wage worker groups (health care aides and health care support workers, not working in the home). We conducted multivariable logistic regression to determine which characteristics predicted HHWs’ health. Results. Overall, 26.6% of HHWs had fair or poor general health, 14.1% had poor physical health, and 20.9% had poor mental health; the prevalence of each outcome was significantly higher than that of the comparison groups. Among HHWs, certain factors, such as low household income, an inability to see a doctor because of cost, and a history of depression, were associated with all 3 aspects of suboptimal health. Conclusions. HHWs had worse general, physical, and mental health compared with low-wage workers not in home health. Public Health Implications. Increased attention to the health of HHWs by public health experts and policymakers is warranted. In addition, targeted interventions appropriate to their specific health needs may be required. (Am J Public Health. 2021;111(12):2239–2250. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306512 )

Home Health Care of Veterans

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-54
Author(s):  
Jan Cook
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Home Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Home Health ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Training And Education ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Support Resources

This commentary familiarizes the reader with prevalent issues regarding home health care of veterans. The primary issue is the unfamiliarity of the caretaker—most often a family member—in understanding benefits, and accessing social support resources. Frequently caretakers experience depression resulting from the stress of the situation; therefore, their physical and mental health needs must be addressed. There is a need for increased training and education of health care workers, social workers, and caregivers, so that concerted support is present for veterans requiring home health care.

Abstract P225: Health Care Access And Health Indicators In Puerto Rico Pre- And Post- Hurricane Maria: Analysis Of Data From 2015-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamnia I Cortes ◽  
Patricia Pagan Lassalle ◽  
Krista Perreira
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Health Insurance Coverage ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Behavioral Risk Factor ◽  
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance ◽  
Risk Factor Surveillance

Background: In September 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico (PR), in what is now regarded as one of the worst natural disasters in United States (US) history. Natural disasters can impact health directly as well as indirectly through their impacts on health behavior, health utilization, and migration. Population-based estimates of the health of PR residents before and after Hurricane Maria have not been assessed. Objective: The overall goal of this project is to compare key health indicators, particularly cardiovascular disease risk factors, among PR residents pre- and post-Hurricane Maria. Methods: This study used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in PR. We included data from four survey years: 2015 (N=4556), 2016 (N=5765), 2017 (N=4462), and 2018 (N=4814). The sample consisted of non-institutionalized adults age ≥18 years with access to a landline or a cellular telephone. Since BRFSS data collection in PR were completed in the Spring, and Hurricane Maria struck in Fall 2017, we analyzed three yearsof pre-hurricane data (2015, 2016, 2017) and one year post-hurricane (2018). We will soon be including a second year of data post-hurricane (2019). We used logistic regression analyses to compare health care utilization (health insurance coverage, routine checkup within past year), health behaviors (alcohol use, smoking), and health outcomes (obesity, diabetes, depression) pre- and post-Hurricane Maria. Survey year 2017 was the referent in all models. Final models were adjusted for age, sex, race, education, employment, income, and marital status. Results: Compared to survey year 2017, in 2018 (post-hurricane) participants were more likely to have a college degree or higher, be currently employed, and not married/partnered. Post-hurricane, participants were less likely to have health insurance coverage (AOR, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.58-0.97) and had lower rates of diabetes (AOR: 0.82, 0.70-0.96). The odds of being overweight/obese were lower in 2015 (pre-hurricane) compared to 2017 (AOR, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.79-0.97). There was no significant difference in health behaviors across survey years. Conclusions: Participants who completed the BRFSS in PR post-Hurricane Maria had a higher socioeconomic status and lower rates of diabetes. Our results may suggest that PR residents with a lower socioeconomic status and/or chronic illness were more likely to emigrate, resulting in a compositional change in the population post-hurricane. This analysis highlights the need for long-term follow-up of PR residents to better determine the impact of Hurricane Maria, and adequately design public health programs to address healthcare needs, access, and outcomes.

State-Level Health Care Expenditures Associated With Disability

2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492097980
Author(s):  
Olga A. Khavjou ◽  
Wayne L. Anderson ◽  
Amanda A. Honeycutt ◽  
Laurel G. Bates ◽  
NaTasha D. Hollis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
District Of Columbia ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
State Level ◽  
Health Care Expenditures ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance ◽  
Risk Factor Surveillance

Objective Given the growth in national disability-associated health care expenditures (DAHE) and the changes in health insurance–specific DAHE distribution, updated estimates of state-level DAHE are needed. The objective of this study was to update state-level estimates of DAHE. Methods We combined data from the 2013-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2013-2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and 2014 National Health Expenditure Accounts to calculate state-level DAHE for US adults in total, per adult, and per (adult) person with disability (PWD). We adjusted expenditures to 2017 prices and assessed changes in DAHE from 2003 to 2015. Results In 2015, DAHE were $868 billion nationally (range, $1.4 billion in Wyoming to $102.8 billion in California) accounting for 36% of total health care expenditures (range, 29%-41%). From 2003 to 2015, total DAHE increased by 65% (range, 35%-125%). In 2015, DAHE per PWD were highest in the District of Columbia ($27 839) and lowest in Alabama ($12 603). From 2003 to 2015, per-PWD DAHE increased by 13% (range, −20% to 61%) and per-capita DAHE increased by 28% (range, 7%-84%). In 2015, Medicare DAHE per PWD ranged from $10 067 in Alaska to $18 768 in New Jersey. Medicaid DAHE per PWD ranged from $9825 in Nevada to $43 365 in the District of Columbia. Nonpublic–health insurer per-PWD DAHE ranged from $7641 in Arkansas to $18 796 in Alaska. Conclusion DAHE are substantial and vary by state. The public sector largely supports the health care costs of people with disabilities. State policy makers and other stakeholders can use these results to inform the development of public health programs that support and provide ongoing health care to people with disabilities.

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