Addressing health disparities has become an important concern in public health, underlying the need to comprehensively investigate and understand the social determinants of health to foster equitable healthcare outcomes. This descriptive analysis examines the temporal and spatial patterns of social determinants of health in United States nursing homes from 2020 to 2023. Leveraging quarterly data obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the study provides an overview of key social drivers of health, including functional status, cognitive status, psychosocial factors, geriatric syndromes, and more. Through visual exploration, the study aims to elucidate trends and variations over time and across different regions. The analysis adopts a descriptive approach, emphasizing qualitative insights and policy considerations. This study contributes to a better understanding of the contextual factors influencing health outcomes in nursing homes, offering valuable insights for potential policy enhancements.
Published Date: 2024-05-30; Received Date: 2024-04-28