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Publication Date

11-7-2024

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Presentation: 6:03

Poster attached as supplemental file below

Abstract

This study investigates disparities in healthcare access and utilization between U.S. citizens and non-citizens using data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Citizenship status has been associated with differences in healthcare access, with non-citizens often facing barriers such as financial constraints, language and cultural differences, fear of immigration enforcement, and limited access to care. Given the significant role of healthcare access in overall health outcomes, understanding these disparities is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve healthcare for non-citizens. The study analyzed 27,651 participants, comparing healthcare utilization and health outcomes between U.S. citizens and non-citizens using chi-squared tests and cross tabulations. Demographic variables such as age, sex, and race were considered, and other variables relevant to healthcare access and utilization like wellness checkups, doctor visits, prescription use, and chronic disease prevalence were analyzed. Significant findings revealed that non-citizens were less likely to have a usual place of care, experience fewer doctor visits, and report delays in care due to cost. They were also more likely to face unmet healthcare needs and financial barriers, including skipped prescriptions and reduced medication intake. Non-citizens had higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, along with poorer self-reported health status. These results highlight the unique healthcare challenges faced by non-citizens and emphasize the need for policies to address these barriers. The findings suggest that improving healthcare access and reducing financial obstacles could help alleviate disparities in care and health outcomes for non-citizens. Further research is necessary to explore the underlying causes of these disparities and develop effective policy solutions to ensure equitable healthcare access for all individuals, regardless of citizenship status.

Lay Summary

This study looks at the differences in healthcare access and use between U.S. citizens and non-citizens, using data from the 2022 National health Interview Survey (NHIS). Non-citizens often face more challenges when it comes to getting healthcare, such as financial difficulties, language and cultural barriers, fear of immigration issues, and limited access to care. These problems can make it harder for them to stay healthy, so it is important to understand these issues. The study analyzed information from 27,651 people, comparing how often citizens and noncitizens access healthcare and how their health is affected. The study considered factors like age, sex, race, and other factors related to access and using healthcare system such as checkups, doctor visits, and prescription medicine use. The study also looked at chronic diseases and self-reported health condition. The results showed that non-citizens were less likely to have a regular doctor, visit the doctor as often, or get care on time because of money issues. Non-citizens were also more likely to skip taking their medicine or cut back on it because of cost. They had higher rates of chronic health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and they reported feeling in poorer health overall. These findings show that non-citizens face healthcare challenges and suggest that policies to make healthcare more affordable and accessible could help. The study points out that addressing these issues is important for making sure everyone, regardless of citizenship status, has equal access to the healthcare they need. More research to understand the reasons behind these challenges and to find solutions to improve healthcare for non-citizens is also needed.


Additional Files
Cho_Seong_Eun_poster.pptx (374 kB)

Language

English

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