Access to Chiropractic Care amongst publicly insured populations

Location

SU-003

Start Date

2-5-2025 12:00 PM

Department

Community and Public Health

Abstract

Access to Chiropractic Care amongst publicly insured populations By LaShaie Ashford and Joseph E. Hibdon, Jr., PhD Access to chiropractic care remains a challenge for publicly insured populations due to provider availability, economic limitations, and racial disparities. These factors contribute to significant gaps in utilization, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations. This study analyzes a survey and demographic data to examine key barriers to chiropractic care, particularly among Black and White publicly insured populations. Based on a survey of 2,062 respondents, 30% identified provider availability as a significant barrier with a 95% confidence interval estimating the true population proportion between 28.0% and 31.9%. Additionally, an analysis of Medicare data from 2002 to 2008 revealed that 96% to 97% of chiropractic users were White, whereas only 1% to 2% were Black, highlighting racial disparities. These findings suggest that systemic barriers continue to hinder diverse populations from benefiting from chiropractic services. The difference in chiropractic care use between White and Black Medicare beneficiaries is “real” and not due to chance- there is a significant gap in access to care.

Faculty Sponsor

Joseph Hibdon,

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May 2nd, 12:00 PM

Access to Chiropractic Care amongst publicly insured populations

SU-003

Access to Chiropractic Care amongst publicly insured populations By LaShaie Ashford and Joseph E. Hibdon, Jr., PhD Access to chiropractic care remains a challenge for publicly insured populations due to provider availability, economic limitations, and racial disparities. These factors contribute to significant gaps in utilization, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations. This study analyzes a survey and demographic data to examine key barriers to chiropractic care, particularly among Black and White publicly insured populations. Based on a survey of 2,062 respondents, 30% identified provider availability as a significant barrier with a 95% confidence interval estimating the true population proportion between 28.0% and 31.9%. Additionally, an analysis of Medicare data from 2002 to 2008 revealed that 96% to 97% of chiropractic users were White, whereas only 1% to 2% were Black, highlighting racial disparities. These findings suggest that systemic barriers continue to hinder diverse populations from benefiting from chiropractic services. The difference in chiropractic care use between White and Black Medicare beneficiaries is “real” and not due to chance- there is a significant gap in access to care.