Risk factors for patients with social determinants of health not to follow up with community-based organizations to which they have been referred

Abstract This study explores the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH) on follow-up behavior among patients referred to community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Emergency Department (ED) of Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center. A retrospective analysis was conducted on data collected from 342 patients who were screened for SDOH between February and July 2023. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests were used to identify potential associations between demographic and social factors (race, language, age, gender, employment status, and insurance status) and follow-up rates. The results revealed several trends: non-White patients (73.2%) and non-English speakers (81.8%) followed up more frequently than their counterparts, as did older adults (80.0%) and insured patients (77.8%). However, none of the variables reached statistical significance (all p-values > 0.05). The findings suggest that while demographic and social factors may influence follow-up behavior, the lack of statistical significance could be attributed to the limited sample size. These trends align with previous literature on SDOH and follow-up behavior, highlighting the need for further research with larger, more representative samples. Addressing the complex interplay of SDOH, including factors such as language, insurance, and cultural differences, is crucial for improving follow-up rates and ensuring better health outcomes for underserved populations. Future research should focus on refining referral systems, exploring additional socioeconomic factors, and conducting longitudinal studies to develop more effective strategies for integrating SDOH interventions in healthcare systems.