Rheumatoid arthritis disease outcomes and social determinants of health in a majority Latine cohort: a preliminary analysis

Authors

• G Gonzalez
• S Villalobos
• N Spencer
• G Vines
• S Hasni
• A Fike

Abstract

The Natural History Study of Rheumatic Diseases in Minority Communities includes 142 active participants with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), predominantly Latine. Limited data exists on how RA affects Latine populations. Our objective is to identify modifiable risk factors contributing to health disparities in RA within these communities.

The PROMIS Global Health Scale, DAS-28, Social Determinants of Health questionnaire, Interpersonal Processes of Care-18, and Beliefs in Medication Questionnaire were administrated by bilingual/bicultural staff from 11/2023 to 7/2024 and recorded into the Clinical Trials Database for analysis with R/RStudio (Ver. 4.4.0). A total of 77 participants who completed all measures were included. Chi-square and t-tests used to identify significant differences among the 136 variables. Deformities were defined by a board-certified rheumatologist.

The median age was 55 (IQR: 50, 66) years, with 92% (71) women. The majority of patients were Latine (88%, 68) and non-US born (93%, 72), with 84% (65) preferring Spanish for healthcare. Limited health literacy was reported by 40% (31) and education below 8th grade by 41% (32). Glucocorticoids were used by 26% (20), and biologic/small molecule agents by 72% (56). The RA phenotype was severe with 96% (74) anti-CCP+, 83% (64) erosive, and 54.5% (42) deforming.

Preliminary analysis reveals significant social inequities among Latine RA patients, with 40% reporting limited health literacy and 41% below an 8th grade education level. The dominant disease phenotype was severe with majority having deforming RA. Patients without joint deformities showed more concern about long-term medication use and greater participation in shared decision-making.

Scientific Focus Area: Health Disparities

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