The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Healthcare Utilization of Diverse, Low-Income Populations
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing barriers to care for diverse, low-income individuals; however, there has been little research done to assess the scope of this issue. This study aims to 1) determine if there has been a shift in the healthcare utilization of low-income, diverse populations and 2) identify potential barriers that could impede access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 154 respondents residing in Broward County Housing Authority homes were asked whether they were more or less likely to see their doctor, if they were afraid of getting COVID-19 at the doctor’s office should they have gone in person, if they were afraid of getting COVID-19 on the way to the doctor’s office should they have gone in person, and if they would have preferred to see their doctor in-person or through telemedicine. Secondary data analysis was performed on responses to accurately assess the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare utilization. The results indicate that 65% of Broward County Housing Authority respondents claimed to be more likely to visit their doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic, 76% of respondents were not concerned about contracting COVID-19 at the doctor’s office, 74% were not concerned with contracting COVID-19 on the way to the doctor’s office, and 74% would prefer to visit their doctor in person rather than virtually. These findings will guide future interventions to improve access to care amongst diverse, low-income, diverse populations, both during pandemics and in general.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. T. Lucas Hollar
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-6-2021 12:00 PM
End Date
4-9-2021 12:00 PM
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Healthcare Utilization of Diverse, Low-Income Populations
Alvin Sherman Library
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing barriers to care for diverse, low-income individuals; however, there has been little research done to assess the scope of this issue. This study aims to 1) determine if there has been a shift in the healthcare utilization of low-income, diverse populations and 2) identify potential barriers that could impede access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 154 respondents residing in Broward County Housing Authority homes were asked whether they were more or less likely to see their doctor, if they were afraid of getting COVID-19 at the doctor’s office should they have gone in person, if they were afraid of getting COVID-19 on the way to the doctor’s office should they have gone in person, and if they would have preferred to see their doctor in-person or through telemedicine. Secondary data analysis was performed on responses to accurately assess the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare utilization. The results indicate that 65% of Broward County Housing Authority respondents claimed to be more likely to visit their doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic, 76% of respondents were not concerned about contracting COVID-19 at the doctor’s office, 74% were not concerned with contracting COVID-19 on the way to the doctor’s office, and 74% would prefer to visit their doctor in person rather than virtually. These findings will guide future interventions to improve access to care amongst diverse, low-income, diverse populations, both during pandemics and in general.
