This study aims to determine changes in social determinants of health (SDoH) and symptoms affecting patients with arthritis pre- and post- COVID-19. The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) publicly available data was analyzed via SPSS statistical software. Chi-square and Fisher exact test were utilized for comparison of survey questions related to arthritis symptoms and SDoH, comparing survey results in 2019 vs. 2023. 61,519 respondents were included, of whom 8,214 (2019) and 7,731 (2023) reported arthritis diagnoses. Arthritis prevalence did not differ between survey years (p = 0.151). Overall, those with arthritis were significantly less likely to be working for pay (p < 0.001) and were more likely to report food insecurity, including inability to afford balanced meals (p < 0.001), hunger due to insufficient funds (p = 0.026), and weight loss related to food affordability (p < 0.001). Difficulty paying medical bills was more frequently reported among those with arthritis (p < 0.001). Arthritis was also associated with poorer self-reported general health (p < 0.001), increased emergency department (ED) utilization (p < 0.001), and greater pain burden (all p < 0.001). Disability status was more common among individuals with arthritis (p < 0.001). From 2019 to 2023, the general population experienced increased food insecurity and reduced employment (p < 0.001), whereas patients with arthritis demonstrated fewer changes in SDoH. Among those with arthritis, physical and rehabilitative therapy utilization increased (p = 0.047), while activity limitations (p < 0.001), work limitations (p < 0.001), and disability status (p = 0.005) decreased. Patients with arthritis represent a vulnerable population, with higher rates of food insecurity, difficulty paying medical bills, pain affecting daily life, poorer self-reported health status, and increased ED utilization. However, individuals with arthritis experienced fewer changes in SDoH than the general population during COVID-19.
Villa et al. (Sun,) studied this question.