413 - Screening for Social Determinants of Health in Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities in an Urban, University-Affiliated Specialty Clinic

Poster Number: 413
Publication Number: 413.149

Background: Studies have shown that individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) are likely to experience socioeconomic burdens and psychosocial challenges and are more vulnerable to social risks and poor health outcomes. Few studies have focused on the screening of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) and prevalence of social risks in children with DD.

Objective: 1) To examine compliance with SDoH screening in an urban, affiliated-University Center that serves children with DD; 2) to study the prevalence of positive screening for SDoH in families of children with DD.

Design/Methods: On 5/15/2023, our center required all families at intake to be screened for SDoH using a 9-item screener based on the Health Leads’ screener (paper version). We reviewed the records of all patients who completed the intake, including demographics, developmental diagnoses, completion and results of the SDoH screener, and number of missed clinical appointments. Statistics: chi-square, t-test, and non-parametrics.

Results: From 5/15-7/31/2023, 240 families attended the initial visit, 165(69%) boys, age 5±3 years, 118(49%)Hispanic, 165(69%)English-speaking households, 181(75%) on Medicaid. Developmental diagnoses: Language Impairment (74%), Global developmental Delay (43%), Autism(40%). The SDoH screener was implemented in 207(86%) at the initial visit, 55(27%) of responders reported at least 1 social risk: Housing quality (8.7%), Housing instability (7.7%), food insecurity (5.3%), Health travel (6.3%), health cost (2.1%), utilities cost (7.2%), care needs (7.7%) and legal help (8.3%); 26(11%) families were referred to Community Health Worker. Families who screened positive were more likely to be enrolled on Medicaid (91% vs. 76% p=0.001) and to have missed appointments (42% vs. 14% p=0.001) than those who did not screen positive.

Conclusion(s): Preliminary data showed that SDoH screening in children with DD is feasible. At least 27% of families of children with DD at the center had 1 or more social risks. Identifying social risks in families of children with DD is necessary, to improve health access and care.