Health Insurance Status Associated with Long-Term Lupus Nephritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Outcomes
A new study found an association between health insurance status and long-term, adverse outcomes in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN). Structural, individual, and social determinants of health are known to contribute to health disparities in lupus.
The records of 131 people with SLE participating in the Southern California Lupus Registry were examined. Participants self-reported their ethnicity and health insurance status. Researchers also noted participants SLE disease activity, LN classification, choice of medication used to treat LN, and LN disease activity. Independent of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), or ethnicity, people with public health insurance were more likely to be diagnosed with LN. Both Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander individuals with public health insurance experienced increased disease activity. However, disease activity in Hispanic individuals was significantly greater compared to other ethnic groups.
The study indicates that health insurance coverage is important to disease management and outcomes. Modifying care management plans for patient-centered care can improve long-term outcomes in SLE and LN. Learn more about advancing health equity in lupus.
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