High Social Risk Burden Linked to Increased Emergency Care in IBD Patients

Last updated Jun 22, 2025

TL/DR –

The United States National Health Interview in 2023 revealed a strong correlation between high social risk and emergency care use and medication gaps in adults with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The study analyzed six domains of social risk: food insecurity, financial hardship, housing instability, transportation needs, education and employment, and discrimination. The results showed that 64% of the 572 participants reported at least one social risk, with 41% experiencing discrimination, and a higher prevalence of severe social risk was seen in racial and ethnic minorities. Higher social risk burdens were linked to increased odds of unplanned healthcare use and medication non-adherence.

IBD Patients in U.S Face High Social Risk Burden: Urgent Need for Social Screening

The 2023 United States National Health Interview highlighted a prevalent correlation between social risks and healthcare utilization in adults with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The survey analyzed data across six social domains —food insecurity, financial hardship, housing instability, transportation needs, education and employment, and discrimination. Results indicated that among 572 participants, a significant 64% reported social risks in one or more domains.

Prevalence of Social Risks Among IBD Patients

Participants, with a mean age of 56 years, included 57% females and 81% non-Hispanic Whites. Social risks were reported in various domains: food insecurity (22%), financial hardship (28%), housing instability (14%), transportation needs (9%), education and employment (9%), and discrimination (41%). Notably, severe social risk prevalence was higher among racial and ethnic minorities, particularly non-Hispanic Blacks (37%) and Hispanics (28%).

Impact of Social Risks on Healthcare Utilization

These risks created a significant impact on healthcare use and medication adherence among IBD patients. Individuals with greater social risk burden demonstrated increased odds of unplanned healthcare use, such as emergency department visits or hospitalizations, and cost-related medication non-adherence. Social risks among adults with IBD are adversely affecting healthcare use and medication adherence, indicating a crucial need for social screening in clinical practice.

Complete study details are available at Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

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