BACKGROUND: In the United States, significant disparities exist in preventative health among underserved communities, including African American/Black (AA/B), Hispanic/Latino (H/L) and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/ queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. We explored the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH) on preventative health outcomes in these groups. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive cross-sectional needs assessment at safety-net health clinics in Providence, Rhode Island, from June to September 2022. RESULTS: Of N=1,017 individuals, 67% identified as H/L, 16% identified as AA/B, and 19% identified as LGBTQ+. The most common diagnosed health conditions were anxiety (26%), depression (23%), hypertension (20%), and diabetes (15%). People reported most commonly needing help with food (31%), housing (25%), and utilities (22%). More social needs were associated with reductions in COVID-19 booster vaccination (p<.01) and higher mental health diagnoses (p<.01). AA/B individuals with higher health literacy were also less likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition (p=.02). LGBTQ+ individuals were more likely to report a history of mental health illness, tobacco use, hazardous alcohol use, other substance use, and more sexual partners (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Addressing health literacy and other social determinants of health is important to address disparities and achieve health equity among marginalized communities.
Assessing Public Health and Preventative Health Needs of Underserved Communities in Rhode Island.
Philip A. Chan·Amy S Nunn·Yelena Malyuta·M. Erbe·Morgan Leonard·Daniel McGuire·Sussy Santana·Katherine Westrom·Alexi Almonte·Peter Salhaney·Bryce Perler·Amanda Maguire-Wilkerson·Jun Tao·Natalie Fenn

