Racial Disparities in Healthcare Utilization Among Individuals with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Comorbid Anxiety Disorder

Objective This study addresses racial/ethnic differences in adverse health care utilization among individuals with comorbid anxiety disorder and cardiometabolic syndrome (CMetS) risk factors. Methods Utilizing 2011–2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data, logistic regression models were estimated to determine the likelihood of receiving CMetS-related medical treatment in the emergency department (ED) or via inpatient services and to determine if the likelihood is associated with race/ethnicity. Adjusted models controlled for age, sex, and insurance type. Results Significant racial-ethnic differences were observed for utilization (any emergency department and/or inpatient visit). The odds of non-Hispanic Black respondents reporting emergency department and/or inpatient utilization was 2.39 ( p