Publications by authors named "S S Marks"
Background: Social determinants of health (SDoH) are socioeconomic factors that influence health and well-being, though when unmet can greatly contribute to health disparities. Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk of mortality, disability, and healthcare utilization. However, there are limited data linking specific social needs with disease outcomes in this population.
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- The study aims to explore how healthcare usage, specifically primary care and emergency department visits, relates to food and housing insecurity among Medicaid expansion members, and how these relationships vary based on rural or urban environments and residential segregation.
- The research analyzed data from Virginia's Medicaid expansion members who enrolled between January and June 2019, focusing on those aged 19-64 and continuously enrolled for 12 months, totaling 14,735 participants.
- Findings revealed that food insecurity was linked to fewer primary care visits and increased emergency department visits, particularly among those living in suburban, urban, or low-income neighborhoods, while housing insecurity did not show significant impacts on healthcare usage.
Background: Pediatric organ transplantation is the primary treatment for end-organ failure. Improving medication adherence and healthcare compliance can decrease healthcare burdens, graft rejection, morbidity, and mortality. Adolescents commonly struggle with non-adherence, necessitating a smooth transition to adult care.
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- The study aims to assess and improve the accessibility of primary health facilities for people with disabilities in Luuka District, Uganda, recognizing the health disparities faced by this group.
- A tool called the Disability Awareness Checklist (DAC) was adapted and pilot-tested, involving youth researchers with disabilities in the adaptation process, to measure accessibility across various indicators.
- Results showed low median accessibility scores (17.8% overall), with the highest scores in universal design, indicating significant room for improvement in staff training and service linkages.