Comparison of BRFSS Data Between Home-Based Care Providers and Health Care Support Workers in Clinical Environments in Washington State

Abstract

Background: The demand for home-based health care support providers (HB providers) is growing as the locus of care shifts to private homes. However, industry representative data of these workers are limited. Methods: Washington Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (WA BRFSS) data from 2011 to 2016 were analyzed to compare HB providers (n = 385) with health care support occupations not based in the home, non-HB providers (n = 229), and all other occupations (n = 32,011). Findings: More HB providers were overweight (4.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [3.3%, 5.2%]) than non-HB providers and all other occupations. Significantly more HB providers had arthritis (33.2%, 95% CI = [27.0%, 39.4%]) and diabetes (9.4%, 95% CI = [5.7%, 13.2%]) than non-HB providers. Nearly twice as many HB providers currently smoked (31.3%, 95% CI = [24.2%, 38.4%]) than non-HB providers. Significantly more HB providers reported serious mental illness (6.8%, 95% CI = [2.8%, 10.7%]) than all other occupations (2.2%). Conclusion/Application to Practice: It is imperative to maintain good health in this home-based health care population as these workers are aging and their professional time becomes limited.