Examination of social determinants of health among patients with limited English proficiency

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of social needs by English proficiency using data from Northwell Health’s social determinants of health screening program. The screening program evaluates 12 domains of social needs: material need, employment, medical-legal assistance, health insurance, public benefits, health literacy, transportation, medical care, utilities, housing quality, food security, and housing insecurity. We have identified patients to have limited English proficiency if they have selected a language other than English as their primary language. Results: The study population includes 92,958 individuals; of these, 83,445 (89.8%) patients are English proficient, and 9513 (10.2%) patients have limited English proficiency. A higher percentage of patients with limited English proficiency has social needs, including material need, employment, medical-legal assistance, health insurance, public benefit, health literacy, medical care, utility bill, poor housing quality, and food insecurity (all p-values < 0.05). In multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographic information, LEP status (odds ratio = 1.36 [1.25–1.49]) has been associated with having social needs. These findings suggest that system-wide SDH screening and referral programs should identify ways to ensure capturing social needs among patients with limited English proficiency.