VHA-direct primary care was associated with 20% higher odds of GLP-1 prescriptions compared to community care, while Black and Asian veterans faced 26% and 34% lower odds than white veterans.
Observational
Yes
Does receiving VHA direct primary care compared to community care affect the probability of GLP-1 prescriptions among veterans with overweight or obesity?
Veterans receiving VHA direct primary care have slightly higher odds of receiving GLP-1 prescriptions compared to those in community care, with significant racial disparities observed across both settings.
Effect estimate: OR 1.20
Abstract Introduction Obesity is a growing chronic medical condition facing the veteran population. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) have emerged as an optimal treatment for obesity and related-medical disorders. As the Veterans Health Administration continues to expand community-based care purchased under the MISSION Act, it is unknown whether veterans receiving community-based primary care experience comparable access to GLP-1 prescriptions. Methods In this national analysis of VHA data, we assessed differences in GLP-1 prescribing among veterans with overweight or obesity in VHA direct care compared to community care. Results Veterans with three or more primary care visits receiving VHA-direct primary care had 1.2 percentage points (pp) higher adjusted probability of GLP-1 prescriptions (20% higher odds) than veterans receiving mostly community primary care. Black and Asian veterans had 1.8pp and 2.2pp lower probabilities of GLP-1 prescriptions (26% and 34% lower odds), respectively, compared to white counterparts across both settings. Conclusion Researchers and policymakers should continue to monitor whether differences in care between the direct and community settings contribute to disparities in GLP-1 access.
Stein et al. (Thu,) conducted a observational in Overweight or obesity. VHA-direct primary care vs. Community primary care was evaluated on GLP-1 prescriptions (OR 1.20). VHA-direct primary care was associated with 20% higher odds of GLP-1 prescriptions compared to community care, while Black and Asian veterans faced 26% and 34% lower odds than white veterans.