Background: Screening for health-related social needs (HRSNs) is recommended as part of standard diabetes care given the strong impact of social factors on health outcomes. We implemented a HRSN screen at routine diabetes clinic visits and assessed differences between youth with positive and negative screens.
Methods: A 6-item questionnaire was adapted from the Accountable Health Communities Health-related Social Needs Screening Tool to screen for HRSNs in 4 domains: 1) housing, 2) utilities 3) transportation, 4) food. A positive screen was defined as any positive response to a HRSN. Cross-sectional data was analyzed using chi-square or independent t-test.
Results: There were 4,119 screens completed over 14 months with 10% (n=438) being positive. The majority of positive screens were positive for a single HRSN (73%), most commonly food insecurity (66%). Table 1 compares youth with positive vs. negative screens. A higher percentage of positive screens was found in minority youth (p<0.001), while a lower percentage was seen in youth with commercial insurance (p<0.001) and diabetes technology use (p<0.001). Most indicators of diabetes control were less optimal in the positive screen group.
Summary: Youth with HRSNs are at risk for adverse health outcomes. Screening for HRSNs can be incorporated into routine pediatric diabetes care and may help enhance health equity in delivery of care.
K.Halpin: None. J.D.Colvin: None. M.A.Clements: Consultant; Glooko, Inc., Research Support; Dexcom, Inc., Abbott Diabetes. E.L.Dewit: None. S.Relan: None. J.Roghair: None. R.Pomerantz: None. K.Evans: None. M.S.Barnes: None. H.Feingold: None. S.N.Jacob: None. C.Winterer: None.
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
