Abstract 13759: Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Health Rating and Disruption of Medical Care in Atherosclerotic Disease Populations Due to COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic reportedly disrupted access and delivery of healthcare across diverse populations. We evaluated gender differences in the relationship between health rating and the disruption of medical care in patients with atherosclerotic diseases (ASCVD) due to COVID-19. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 2,678 adults with ASCVD using the 2020 National Health Interview Survey data. Health status was rated as fair/poor, good, and very good/excellent. Medical care disruption due to COVID-19 were based on reports about a delayed medical care or not getting medical care at all due to COVID-19. Multiple logistic regression was used in this analysis with demographic, cumulative social risk, and comorbidities controlled for. Results: The mean (SE) age was 67.1 (0.4) and 42.8% were females. The distribution of the health rating of each gender by medical delay is shown in figure 1. Females who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to delay care due to COVID when compared to those who rate their health as excellent [AOR 2.09 (95% CI 1.03, 4.24) p=0.040]. Males who rated their health as fair/ poor [AOR 1.50 (95% CI 0.85, 2.63) p=0.161] or good [AOR 1.27 (95% CI 0.75, 2.19) p=0.385] were not more likely to delay care due to COVID-19 when compared to those with an excellent health. Female who rated their health as fair/poor were more likely to not get care due do COVID-19 [AOR 2.35 (95% CI 1.14, 4.75) p=0.021]. However, males who rated their health as fair or poor [AOR 1.37 (95% CI 0.68, 2.74) p=0.375] or good [AOR 1.05 (95% CI 0.52, 2.11) p=0.887] were not more likely to not get care due to COVID-19 when compared to those with an excellent health rating. Conclusion: Among females, a fair/poor health rating was associated with either a delay or failure to get medical care. This can further worsen the gender disparity among ASCVD populations. Measures are needed to address this growing problem.