Top 5 Takeaways

1. Social isolation and lack of support most prevalent: Social isolation or loneliness (31.9%) and lack of social and emotional support (24.8%) were the most commonly reported health-related social needs among U.S. adults.
2. Significant racial and ethnic disparities: These issues were more prevalent among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, multiracial, and Hispanic or Latino adults compared to non-Hispanic White adults.
3. Employment, food, and housing insecurities: The study found high prevalence of employment instability, food insecurity, housing insecurity, and utility insecurity among racial and ethnic minority groups compared to non-Hispanic White adults.
4. Healthcare access and mental stress: Lack of health insurance and cost barriers for needed medical care were prevalent, especially among Hispanic adults. Mental stress was notably lower among Hispanic, Black, and Asian adults compared to non-Hispanic White adults.
5. Implications for public health practice: The findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and policies to address social determinants of health and reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Machell Town, mpt2@cdc.gov.

Suggested Citation

Town M, Eke P, Zhao G, et al. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Social Determinants of Health and Health-Related Social Needs Among Adults — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:204–208. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7309a3.

Summary

This MMWR report delves into the racial and ethnic disparities in social determinants of health (SDOH) and health-related social needs (HRSN) among U.S. adults, using data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The analysis highlights significant disparities, particularly in social isolation, lack of support, employment, food, and housing insecurities, as well as access to healthcare and mental stress, emphasizing the importance of addressing these determinants to advance health equity.

Methods

The study utilized data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), focusing on a wide range of adverse SDOH and HRSN among U.S. adult populations. Adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated to understand the disparities among different racial and ethnic groups.

Discussion

The findings illustrate the critical role of social and economic factors in health outcomes and disparities among racial and ethnic groups. The report calls for enhanced public health strategies and interventions aimed at improving social determinants and reducing health disparities to promote health equity.

Conclusion

This MMWR report underscores the pervasive impact of social determinants on health disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. It highlights the need for concerted efforts in public health practice to address these determinants and advance health equity.

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