The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Eye Care Utilization in a National Sample of People with Diabetes

Purpose: To evaluate the association of social determinants of health (SDoH) with eye care utilization among people with diabetes mellitus using the 2013–2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Participants: Participants ≥ 18 years of age with self-reported diabetes. Methods: The SDoH in the following domains were used: (1) economic stability; (2) neighborhood, physical environment, and social cohesion; (3) community and social context; (4) food environment; (5) education; and (6) health care system. An aggregate SDoH score was calculated and divided into quartiles, with Q4 representing those with the highest adverse SDoH burden. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the association of SDoH quartile with eye care utilization in the preceding 12 months. A linear trend test was conducted. Domain-specific mean SDoH scores were calculated, and the performance of domain-specific models was compared using area under the curve (AUC). Main Outcome Measure: Eye care utilization in the preceding 12 months. Results: Of 20 807 adults with diabetes, 43% had not used eye care. Greater adverse SDoH burden was associated with decrements in odds of eye care utilization (P < 0.001 for trend). Participants in the highest quartile of adverse SDoH burden (Q4) had a 58% lower odds (odds ratio [OR], 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37–0.47) of eye care utilization than those in Q1. The domain-specific model using economic stability had the highest performing AUC (0.63; 95% CI, 0.62–0.64). Conclusions: Among a national sample of people with diabetes, adverse SDoH were associated with decreased eye care utilization. Evaluating and intervening upon the effects of adverse SDoH may be a means by which to improve eye care utilization and prevent vision loss. Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.