Does General Health Differ by Healthcare Access in Diabetic Females 30-50 Years of Age?

Purpose: Diabetes is one of the fastest growing epidemics requiring regular medical management, yet 12.6% of U.S. adults were without health coverage in 2015 (1,2). Our study aims to determine whether general health differs by healthcare access in diabetic females 30-50 years of age. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2015 BRFSS for females ages 30-50, from Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The relationship between general health to healthcare access and healthcare cost was analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for weight status, comorbid conditions, age, ethnicity, marital status, income, education level, and state. Results: A high prevalence of participants reported having healthcare coverage (80%) and a moderate prevalence reported good or better overall general health (60%). There is a significant inverse relationship between healthcare cost and general health (OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.31, 0.97). There was no significant relationship between healthcare access and general health outcome. Additionally, relationships were shown between general health and comorbid conditions (OR=0.08, 95% CI=0.02, 0.27), income (OR=2.54, 95% CI=1.44, 4.45), and education level (OR=1.97, 95% CI=1.06, 3.66). Conclusions: Results show a significant relationship between healthcare cost, comorbidities, education, and income to participant’s general health. However, healthcare coverage was not significantly related to participant’s general health. Results may be utilized in primary care practice settings managing diabetic females aged 30-50. This population of patients should be screened for poor general health and additional comorbid conditions in low socioeconomic patient populations.