276 Evaluating equity in utilization of initial health evaluations among World Trade Center Health Program members enrolled during 2012–2022

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: To evaluate equity in utilization of free initial health evaluation (IHE) services among members of a limited health care program, the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program (Program), to inform intervention development and provide insights for similar healthcare programs. Methods/Study Population: We included Program members who newly enrolled during 2012–2022, and who had an IHE or were alive for ≥ 1 year after enrollment. Program administrative and surveillance data collected from January 2012 to February 2024 were used. We evaluated two outcomes: timely IHE utilization (proportion of members completing an IHE within 6 months of enrollment) and any IHE utilization (proportion completing an IHE by February 2024). We described IHE utilization by enrollment year and various members’ characteristics and conducted multivariable logistic regression models to estimate adjusted odds ratios for IHE utilizations to identify factors related to potential inequities for the two member types: Responders, who performed support services, vs. Survivors, who did not respond but were present in the New York disaster area. Results/Anticipated Results: A total of 27,379 Responders and 30,679 Survivors were included. Responders were 89% male, 70% 45–64 years old at enrollment and 76% White. Survivors were 46% female, 54% 45–64 years old at enrollment, and 57% White. Timely IHE utilizations remained relatively stable (~65%) among Responders across time and increased from 16% among Survivors who enrolled in 2017 to 68% among Survivors who enrolled in 2021. Timely IHE utilization was lower for younger members (enrolled Discussion/Significance of Impact: This study highlights Program achievements and gaps in providing equitable IHE services. Strategies to improve members’ equitable IHE utilization can include: adopt/expand flexible scheduling; increase non-English language capacity and cultural competency; and facilitate transportation/assistance for members with accessibility barriers.