National Health Interview Survey Data Research Articles

To weight or not to weight? The effect of selection bias in 3 large electronic health record-linked biobanks and recommendations for practice.

To develop recommendations regarding the use of weights to reduce selection bias for commonly performed analyses using electronic health record (EHR)-linked biobank data. We mapped diagnosis (ICD code) data to standardized phecodes from 3 EHR-linked biobanks with varying recruitment strategies: All of Us (AOU; n = 244071), Michigan Genomics Initiative (MGI; n = 81243), and UK Biobank (UKB; n = 401167). Using 2019 National Health Interview Survey data, we constructed selection weights for AOU and MGI to represent the US adult population more. We used weights previously developed for UKB to represent the UKB-eligible population. We conducted 4 common analyses comparing unweighted and weighted results. For AOU and MGI, estimated phecode prevalences decreased after weighting (weighted-unweighted median phecode prevalence ratio [MPR]: 0.82 and 0.61), while UKB estimates increased (MPR: 1.06). Weighting minimally impacted latent phenome dimensionality estimation. Comparing weighted versus unweighted phenome-wide association study for colorectal cancer, the strongest associations remained unaltered, with considerable overlap in significant hits. Weighting affected the estimated log-odds ratio for sex and colorectal cancer to align more closely with national registry-based estimates. Weighting had a limited impact on dimensionality estimation and large-scale hypothesis testing but impacted prevalence and association estimation. When interested in estimating effect size, specific signals from untargeted association analyses should be followed up by weighted analysis. EHR-linked biobanks should report recruitment and selection mechanisms and provide selection weights with defined target populations. Researchers should consider their intended estimands, specify source and target populations, and weight EHR-linked biobank analyses accordingly.

Food security status and cardiometabolic health by sex/gender and race/ethnicity among adults in the United States

BackgroundMinoritized racial/ethnic groups and women in the United States (US) are disproportionately burdened by food insecurity, which likely contributes to disparities in cardiovascular health (CVH). Disparities are projected to widen due to the worsening climate crisis that is straining the agricultural system including food supplies. Nonetheless, studies have not investigated the relationship between food security status and ‘ideal’ CVH in a large, nationally-representative and racially/ethnically diverse US sample.Methods and resultsWe investigated household food security status in relation to ‘ideal’ CVH among US adults (N = 157,001) using 2014–2018/2020 National Health Interview Survey data. Food security status was defined as very low, low, marginal, or high. A summed score of 4 health behaviors and 3 clinical factors totaling 7 different measures was dichotomized (yes/no) to assess modified ‘ideal’ CVH (mICVH). Using Poisson regression with robust variance, we estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs of mICVH by household food security status. We stratified models by sex/gender and race/ethnicity. Very low food security prevalence was higher among non-Hispanic (NH)-Black (8.0%) compared to Hispanic/Latinx (5.1%), NH-White (3.1%) and NH-Asian (1.7%) adults. The association between very low versus high food security and mICVH was stronger among women (PR = 0.23 [95% CI: 0.17–0.31]) than men (PR = 0.48 [95% CI: 0.35–0.66]). Compared to NH-White adults with high food security, racially/ethnically minoritized groups with very low to high food security were generally less likely (range: [PRvery low = 0.25[95% CI: 0.14–0.44] – [PRhigh = 0.88 [95% CI: 0.79–0.97]) to meet mICVH criteria.ConclusionsFood insecurity was associated with lower mICVH prevalence and racially/ethnically minoritized groups were disproportionately burdened.

Employment characteristics and tobacco product use, United States, 2021

IntroductionOver 30 million U.S. working adults use tobacco, and tobacco use varies by occupation. Limited information is available on employment characteristics and tobacco use prevalence. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of current tobacco use by employment characteristics and occupation group among U.S. working adults. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used 2021 National Health Interview Survey data for currently working adults (n=16,461) analyzed in 2023. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds of tobacco use by employment characteristics and occupation group. ResultsIn 2021, 20.0% of working adults used tobacco. Any tobacco use was significantly lower among workers who were offered workplace health insurance (aOR=0.86, 95% CI=0.77–0.97), had paid sick leave (aOR=0.81, 95% CI=0.73–0.91), and government vs. private employment (aOR=0.61, 95% CI=0.52–0.70). Any tobacco use was significantly higher among workers who usually worked ≥35 hours per week vs. did not usually work ≥35 hours per week (aOR=1.21, 95% CI=1.06–1.39), worked a rotating or ‘some other’ shift vs. daytime shift (aOR=1.19, 95% CI=1.02–1.38), experienced schedule instability (aOR=1.17, 95% CI=1.03–1.31), and worked while physically ill in the past 3 months (aOR=1.25, 95% CI=1.11–1.41). Tobacco use by employment characteristics also varied by occupation group. ConclusionsCurrent tobacco use varied according to employment characteristics and occupation group. Findings from this study could inform workplace tobacco cessation interventions and policies (e.g., access to paid sick leave or insurance coverage) to better support tobacco cessation and overall worker health.

The Influence of Nativity/Birthplace, Neighborhood Cohesion, and Duration Lived in the Neighborhood on Psychological Distress

IntroductionNativity/birthplace and neighborhood cohesion are potential contributing factors to psychological distress. This study explores the impact of nativity/birthplace and neighborhood cohesion on moderate-severe psychological distress among United States (US) adults, considering the duration lived in a neighborhood. MethodsUsing the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey data, we conducted a stratified analysis based on years lived in the neighborhood (≤10 years [n= 96,175] and >10 years [n= 68,187]). Bivariate chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the statistical differences and associations between moderate-severe psychological distress and nativity/birthplace, and neighborhood cohesion, while adjusting for other covariates. ResultsIndividuals with 10 years or less of residence reported higher levels of moderate-severe psychological distress than those with mor than10 years (22.3% vs. 18.1%). Low or medium neighborhood cohesion, regardless of duration of residence, was associated with significantly higher odds of moderate-severe psychological distress compared to high cohesion. Foreign-born individuals had higher odds of psychological distress after more than 10 years in a neighborhood, though not statistically significant, while they had lower odds after 10 years or less compared to US-born individuals. The interaction of foreign-born status and 10 years or less of residence showed decreased odds of psychological distress. ConclusionsThese findings underscore the importance of strong social cohesion in neighborhoods for positive mental well-being. Establishing community initiatives to enhance neighborhood social cohesion is crucial.

Prevalence trends and racial-ethnic disparities of diabetes and prediabetes among children and adolescents in the United States from 2019 to 2021

ObjectiveThis study investigates disparities in diabetes and prediabetes prevalence among US children and adolescents using 2019–2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data. With rising trends in diabetes, understanding prevalence rates and associated disparities is crucial for targeted interventions. MethodsAnalyzing a cross-sectional sample of 19,490 participants aged 3–17, we employed NHIS data to calculate prevalence rates. Stratification by sociodemographic factors, race/ethnicity, and family income allowed for in-depth analyses. ResultsBetween 2019 and 2021, overall diabetes prevalence was 1.18%, comprising 0.87% prediabetes and 0.46% diabetes rates. Disparities were evident, with higher prediabetes rates in non-Hispanic black and Hispanic children and elevated diabetes rates in non-Hispanic white and Hispanic children. Subgroup analyses revealed associations within age, gender, education, and income strata. ConclusionsThe study highlights potential increases in diabetes prevalence from 2017 to 2021 and persistent racial/ethnic disparities. The 12–17 age subgroup exhibited significant disparities, emphasizing the need for early intervention. Targeted strategies are imperative to mitigate diabetes and prediabetes prevalence in vulnerable populations, particularly non-Hispanic black and Hispanic children. This study underscores the urgency of addressing health disparities for improved overall well-being and healthcare outcomes.

Psychological distress and mental health care utilization among Black survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer.

Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer experience significant psychological distress and encounter barriers to accessing mental health care. Few studies have investigated racial/ethnic disparities in psychological health outcomes among AYA survivors, and none have compared outcomes within a racially minoritized population. National Health Interview Survey data (2010-2018) were analyzed that identified non-Hispanic Black (hereafter, Black) survivors of AYA cancer and age- and sex-matched Black noncancer controls. Sociodemographic factors, chronic health conditions, modifiable behaviors (smoking and alcohol use), and psychological outcomes were assessed with χ2 tests. Logistic regression models, adjusted for survey weights, were used to evaluate the odds of psychological distress by cancer status after adjusting for covariates. Interactions between variables and cancer status were investigated. The study included 334 Black survivors of AYA cancer and 3340 Black controls. Compared to controls, survivors were more likely to report moderate/severe distress (odds ratio [OR],1.64; p<.001), use mental health care (OR,1.53; p=.027), report an inability to afford mental health care (OR,3.82; p<.001), and use medication for anxiety and/or depression (OR,2.16; p=.001). Forty-one percent of survivors reported moderate/severe distress, and only 15% used mental health care. Among survivors, ages 18-39 years (vs. 40-64 years) and current smoking (vs. never smoking) were associated with the presence of moderate/severe distress. Among survivors with distress, high poverty status was associated with reduced utilization of mental health care. A cancer diagnosis for a Black AYA is associated with greater psychological distress within an already vulnerable population.

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Diagnosis in the United States Among US-Born and Foreign-Born White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian Older Adults.

Timely clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is important for resource allocation, mitigating safety concerns, and improving quality of life. While studies have examined ADRD diagnosis disparities by race/ethnicity, few include its intersection with nativity. Our aims were to (1) estimate the odds of diagnosed ADRD among US- and foreign-born racial/ethnic groups compared to US-born White older adults and (2) make comparisons by nativity within each racial/ethnic group. We linked 2000-2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and 2001-2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data (65 + years; n = 38,033). Race/ethnicity and nativity were measured using NHIS data. Diagnosed ADRD was determined using ICD-9 (290/294/331/797) or ICD-10 (F01/F03/G30/G31) billing codes created from self-reports during MEPS household interviews. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were adjusted for covariates based on Anderson's behavioral model of health services use. US-born Black (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.48-2.05), Hispanic (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.14-2.29), and foreign-born Hispanic (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.24-2.15) older adults, but not foreign-born Black or Asian older adults, had higher odds of diagnosed ADRD compared to US-born White older adults after adjusting for age and sex. After additional adjustment for education, health insurance, usual source of care, and chronic conditions, only US-born Black older adults continued to show higher odds (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.27-1.87) of diagnosed ADRD compared to US-born White older adults. There were no differences in ADRD diagnosis by nativity within each racial/ethnic group. Findings highlight the need for including nativity in studies comparing racial/ethnic groups to Whites to fully capture the ADRD burden among US-born Black older adults.

Patterns and Reasons for Being Uninsured Among Sexual Minority Adults Before and After the Affordable Care Act Implementation.

Purpose: We aimed to identify the self-reported reasons for being uninsured and sociodemographic factors associated with uninsurance among lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) adults before and after the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Methods: We analyzed the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey data using multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the odds of being uninsured and the prevalence of self-reported reasons for not having insurance among LGB adults aged 18-64 years. Results: The study included 2124 LGB adults. The weighted uninsured rate decreased significantly from 19.6% in 2013 to 13.2% in 2017-2018 (odds ratio 0.61; 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.78). The primary reason cited for not having insurance post-ACA was similar to pre-ACA, with cost-related factors being the most commonly reported (31.5%). Conclusion: The overall uninsured rate decreased among LGB adults from 2013 to 2018, whereas disparities across subpopulations remained. Cost-related factors remained significant barriers to obtaining insurance coverage.

Nativity Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Hispanics in the United States.

Hispanics in the United States (U.S.) have previously exhibited lower guideline-concordant colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake than non-Hispanic (NH) Whites, with disparities accentuated in foreign-born Hispanics, however it is unclear whether nativity-related CRC screening disparities have changed in the last two decades and whether these disparities are attenuated after adjusting for socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. We evaluated CRC screening adherence in foreign- and U.S.-born Hispanics compared to U.S.-born NH Whites. We used 2019 National Health Interview Survey data to compare the prevalence of up-to-date CRC screening per the 2019 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations among Hispanic nativity subgroups (i.e., foreign- and U.S.-born) and U.S.-born NH Whites using unadjusted and adjusted weighted log-linked binomial regression. Foreign- and U.S.-born Hispanics had a significantly lower unadjusted prevalence of up-to-date screening than U.S.-born NH Whites (47.18% and 64.18% versus 70.70%; p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0109, respectively). After adjusting for socioeconomic and demographic differences, the prevalence of up-to-date screening was lower in foreign-born Hispanics compared to U.S.-born NH Whites [adjusted prevalence ratio 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.70-0.91)]; however, no statistically significant difference was observed between U.S.-born Hispanics and NH Whites. Our results suggest a low screening uptake in foreign-born Hispanics independent of socioeconomic and demographic differences. Future interventions should target foreign-born Hispanics to address disparities and promote early detection and prevention of CRC regardless of socioeconomic factors.

Need for Enhancing Mental Health Care in Stroke Patients: Insights Into Post-stroke Anxiety and Depression from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Data (P2-5.020)

Need for Enhancing Mental Health Care in Stroke Patients: Insights Into Post-stroke Anxiety and Depression from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Data (P2-5.020)

Health Care Access and Utilization and the Latino Health Paradox.

The Latino health paradox is the phenomenon whereby recent Latino immigrants have, on average, better health outcomes on some indicators than Latino immigrants who have lived in the United States longer and US-born Latinos and non-Latino Whites. This study examined whether the paradox holds after accounting for health care access and utilization. The 2019-2020 National Health Interview Survey data were used. The main predictors included population groups of foreign-born and US-born Latinos (Mexican or non-Mexican) versus US-born non-Latino Whites. Predicted probabilities of health outcomes (self-reported poor/fair health, overweight/obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and depression) were calculated and stratified by length of residence in the United States (<15 or ≥15 years) among foreign-born Latinos and sex (female or male). Multivariable analyses adjusted for having a usual source of care other than the emergency department, health insurance, a doctor visit in the past 12 months, predisposing and enabling factors, and survey year. After adjusting for health care access, utilization, and predisposing and enabling factors, foreign-born Latinos, including those living in the United States ≥15 years, had lower predicted probabilities for most health outcomes than US-born non-Latino Whites, except overweight/obesity and diabetes. US-born Latinos had higher predicted probabilities of overweight/obesity and diabetes and a lower predicted probability of depression than US-born non-Latino Whites. In this national survey, the Latino health paradox was observed after adjusting for health care access and utilization and predisposing and enabling factors, suggesting that, although these are important factors for good health, they do not necessarily explain the paradox.

Obesity paradox of cardiovascular mortality in older adults in the United States: A cohort study using 1997–2018 National Health Interview Survey data linked with the National Death Index

BackgroundLarge-scale, population-based investigations primarily investigating the association between body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among older and younger adults in the United States (U.S.) are lacking. ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between BMI and CVD mortality in older (≥65 years) and younger (<65 years) adults and to identify the nadir for CVD mortality. DesignThis cohort study used serial cross-sectional data from the 1997 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) linked with the National Death Index. NHIS is an annual nationally representative household interview survey of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population. SettingResidential units of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in the U.S. ParticipantsThe target population for the NHIS is the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population at the time of the interview. We included all adults who had BMI data collected at 18 years and older and with mortality data being available. To minimize the risk of reverse causality, we excluded adults whose survival time was ≤2 years of follow-up after their initial BMI was recorded and those with prevalent cancer and/or CVD at baseline. MethodsWe used the BMI record obtained in the year of the NHIS survey. Total CVD mortality used the NHIS data linked to the latest National Death Index data from the survey inception to December 31, 2019. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). ResultsThe study included 425,394 adults; the mean (SD) age was 44 (16.7) years. During a median follow-up period of 11 years, 12,089 CVD-related deaths occurred. In older adults, having overweight was associated with a lower risk of CVD mortality (aHR 0.92 [95 % CI, 0.87–0.97]); having class I obesity (1.04 [0.97–1.12]) and class II obesity (1.12 [1.00–1.26]) was not significantly associated with an increased CVD mortality; and having class III obesity was associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality (1.63 [1.35–1.98]), in comparison with adults who had a normal BMI. Yet, in younger adults, having overweight, class I, II, and III obesity was associated with a progressively higher risk of CVD mortality. The nadir for CVD mortality is 28.2 kg/m2 in older adults and 23.6 kg/m2 in younger adults. ConclusionThis U.S. population-based cohort study highlights the significance of considering age as a crucial factor when providing recommendations and delivering self-care educational initiatives for weight loss to reduce CVD mortality.

Trends in colorectal cancer screening from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS): analysis of the impact of different modalities on overall screening rates.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in adults in the United States. Despite compelling evidence of improved outcomes in CRC, screening rates are not optimal. This study aimed to characterize CRC screening trends over the last two decades and assess the impact of various screening modalities on overall CRC screening rates. Using National Health Interview Survey data from 2005-2021, we examined CRC screening (colonoscopy, mt-sDNA, FOBT/FIT, sigmoidoscopy, CT Colonography) rates among adults aged 50-75 years (n = 85,571). A pseudo-time-series cross-sectional (pseudo-TSCS) analysis was conducted including a random effects GLS regression model to estimate the relative impact of each modality on changes in CRC screening rates. Among 50-75-year-olds, the estimated CRC screening rate increased from 47.7% in 2005 to 69.9% in 2021, with the largest increase between 2005 and 2010 (47.7% to 60.7%). Rates subsequently plateaued until 2015 but increased from 63.5% in 2015 to 69.9% in 2018. This was primarily driven by the increased use of mt-sDNA (2.5% in 2018 to 6.6% in 2021). Pseudo-TSCS analysis results showed that mt-sDNA contributed substantially to the increase in overall screening rates (77.3%; p < 0.0001) between 2018-2021. While CRC screening rates increased from 2005 to 2021, they remain below the 80% goal. The introduction of mt-sDNA, a non-invasive screening test may have improved overall rates. Sustained efforts are required to further increase screening rates to improve patient outcomes and offering a range of screening options is likely to contribute to achieving this goal.

Association Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Occupation Activity Level, National Health Interview Survey-United States, 2020.

Physical activity for any purpose counts toward meeting Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG). However, national surveillance systems traditionally focus on leisure-time physical activity. There is an incomplete understanding of the association between meeting PAG in leisure time and occupation activity level among US workers. We used cross-sectional 2020 National Health Interview Survey data to examine US adults aged 18-64years who worked the week before the survey (n = 14,814). We estimated the proportion meeting aerobic and muscle-strengthening PAG in leisure time by occupation activity level (low, intermediate, and high). Using logistic regression, we examined the association between meeting PAG in leisure time and occupation activity level, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and stratified by hours worked. We compared the sociodemographic characteristics of adults working ≥40hours (the previous week) in high-activity occupations to those in low- or intermediate-activity occupations. Adults working in high-activity occupations were less likely to meet PAG in leisure time (26.1% [24.3-28.1]) versus those in low-activity (30.6% [29.1-32.2], P < .01) or intermediate-activity (32.4% [30.8-34.2]) occupations. In stratified, adjusted models, adults working ≥40hours in low- and intermediate-activity occupations were 13% and 20%, respectively, more likely to meet PAG in leisure time versus those in high-activity occupations. Among those working ≥40hours, adults in high-activity occupations were more likelyto be Hispanic or Latino, male, younger, and have a high school education or lower compared with those in less active occupations. Traditional surveillance may underestimate meeting PAG among people working in high-activity occupations, potentially disproportionately affecting certain groups.

Questionable Effects of Electronic Cigarette Use on Cardiovascular Diseases From the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS, 2014-2021).

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and cardiovascular health risks have gained attention among tobacco researchers. While the cardiovascular risks from e-cigarettes are still unclear, a recent paper by Alzahrani in Cureus claimed that current usage of e-cigarettes increases the risks of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, in subjects who were never cigarette smokers. The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2014 to 2021 and logistic regression models were used to replicate and extend Alzahrani's analysis. Only 12 never smokers who were current e-cigarette users had a myocardial infarction in all eight years. The crude odds ratio (OR) for e-cigarette use was 0.42 (95%CI: 0.24, 0.75). After adjusting for age and other confounding factors and health conditions, the OR of e-cigarette use increased to 2.48 (95%CI: 1.35, 4.55). The omission of age while adjusting for all other risk factors resulted in an OR of 0.80 (95%CI: 0.45, 1.43). In addition, the adjusted ORs for coronary heart disease and stroke were 1.12 (95%CI: 0.58, 2.17) and 1.13 (95%CI: 0.55, 2.29), respectively. The findings indicate that Alzahrani's study is scientifically unreliable. The association between e-cigarette use and heart attack reported by Alzahrani was substantially driven by age, and the very small number of exposed cases makes the association very unstable. Given the nature of cross-sectional NHIS data, it is impossible to establish a robust association or causal claim that e-cigarette use "increases" the risks of any disease.

Beyond Acculturation: Health and Immigrants' Social Integration in the United States.

Immigrants typically have more favorable health outcomes than their U.S.-born counterparts of the same race-ethnicity. However, little is known about how race-ethnicity and region of birth moderate the health outcomes of different immigrant groups as their tenure of U.S. residence increases. We study the association between time spent in the United States and health outcomes among non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, Asian, and Hispanic immigrants using National Health Interview Survey data. Although all immigrant groups initially report better health outcomes than their U.S.-born counterparts, the association between U.S. tenure and reported health outcomes varies among immigrants by race-ethnicity and region of birth. Black immigrants have the worst hypertension profiles, and Black and Hispanic immigrants have the worst obesity profiles. The results suggest that acculturation cannot fully explain racial-ethnic differences in the association between U.S. tenure and health outcomes. We advance a more complete sociological theory of immigrant integration to better explain disparate immigrant health profiles.

Workplace psychosocial factors, work organization, and physical exertion as risk factors for low back pain among U.S. workers: Data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey.

To evaluate the association between workplace psychosocial, organization, and physical risk factors with low back pain (LBP) among U.S. workers. 2015 National Health Interview Survey data was analyzed to calculate prevalences and prevalence ratios for LBP across levels of workplace psychosocial and organizational risk factors among 17,464 U.S. adult workers who worked ≥20 hours/week. Results were also stratified by workplace physical exertion. The adjusted prevalences of LBP were significantly elevated for workers reporting high job demand, low job control, work-family imbalance, bullying, job insecurity, working alternate shifts, and physical exertion. Job control and nonstandard shifts were significantly associated with LBP only among those who reported low/no physical exertion. LBP prevalence was associated with select workplace psychosocial and organization risk factors. Stratification by physical exertion modified multiple associations.

Healthcare Cost Burden and Self-Reported Frequency of Depressive/Anxious Feelings in Older Adults

ABSTRACT Using the 2018-2021 National Health Interview Survey data, we examined the associations between healthcare cost burden and depressive/anxious feelings in older adults. Nearly12% reported healthcare cost burden and 18% daily/weekly depressive/anxious feelings. Healthcare cost burden was higher among women, racial/ethnic minorities, those with chronic illnesses, mobility impairment, and those with Medicare Part D, but lower among individuals with Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility, Medicare Advantage, VA/military insurance, and private insurance. Daily/weekly depressive/anxious feelings was higher among healthcare cost burden reporters. The COVID-19 pandemic-related medical care access problems were also associated with a higher risk of reporting healthcare cost burden and depression/anxiety.

Heterogeneity in the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors by Ethnicity and Birthplace Among Asian Subgroups: Evidence From the 2010 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey.

Asian people in the United States have different sociodemographic and health-related characteristics that might affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by ethnicity and birthplace. However, they are often studied as a monolithic group in health care research. This study aimed to examine heterogeneity in CVD risk factors on the basis of birthplace among the 3 largest Asian subgroups (Chinese, Asian Indian, and Filipino) compared with US-born non-Hispanic White (NHW) adults. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2010 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey data from 125 008 US-born and foreign-born Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, and US-born NHW adults. Generalized linear models with Poisson distribution were used to examine the prevalence and prevalence ratios of self-reported hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, smoking, and overweight/obesity among Asian subgroups compared with US-born NHW adults. The study included 118 979 US-born NHW and 6029 Asian adults who self-identified as Chinese (29%), Asian Indian (33%), and Filipino (38%). Participants' mean (±SD) age was 49±0.1 years, and 53% were females. In an adjusted analysis, foreign-born Asian Indians had significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, physical inactivity, and overweight/obesity; foreign-born Chinese had higher prevalence of physical inactivity, and foreign-born Filipinos had higher prevalence of all 5 CVD risk factors except smoking compared with NHW adults. This study revealed significant heterogeneity in the prevalence of CVD risk factors among Asian subgroups by ethnicity and birthplace, stressing the necessity of disaggregating Asian subgroup data. Providers should consider this heterogeneity in CVD risk factors and establish tailored CVD prevention plans for Asian subgroups.

Examining cancer screening disparities by race/ethnicity and insurance groups: A comparison of 2008 and 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data in the United States.

Pervasive differences in cancer screening among race/ethnicity and insurance groups presents a challenge to achieving equitable healthcare access and health outcomes. However, the change in the magnitude of cancer screening disparities over time has not been thoroughly examined using recent public health survey data. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the 2008 and 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) database focused on breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening rates among race/ethnicity and insurance groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between cancer screening rates, race/ethnicity, and insurance coverage, and to quantify the changes in disparities in 2008 and 2018, adjusting for potential confounders. Colorectal cancer screening rates increased for all groups, but cervical and mammogram rates remained stagnant for specific groups. Non-Hispanic Asians continued to report consistently lower odds of receiving cervical tests (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.32-0.55, p<0.001) and colorectal cancer screening (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.42-0.72, p<0.001) compared to non-Hispanic Whites in 2018, despite significant improvements since 2008. Non-Hispanic Blacks continued to report higher odds of recent cervical cancer screening (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.47-2.68, p<0.001) and mammograms (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02-1.71, p<0.05) than non-Hispanic Whites in 2018, consistent with higher odds observed in 2008. Hispanic individuals reported improved colorectal cancer screening over time, with no significant difference compared to non-Hispanics Whites in 2018, despite reporting lower odds in 2008. The uninsured status was associated with significantly lower odds of cancer screening than private insurance for all three cancers in 2008 and 2018. Despite an overall increase in breast and colorectal cancer screening rates between 2008 and 2018, persistent racial/ethnic and insurance disparities exist among race/ethnicity and insurance groups. These findings highlight the importance of addressing underlying factors contributing to disparities among underserved populations and developing corresponding interventions.