Challenges Accessing Food, Water, Healthcare Services, and Medications During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Adults in Puerto Rico and Their Association with Self-Rated Health: Assessments of PR-CEAL.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges in accessing food, water, medications, and healthcare services some of which are linked with lower self-rated health (SRH). These challenges have already been documented in the US, but it remains unknown how the pandemic affected access to food, water, medications and healthcare services, and how these challenges relate to SRH in this group, a population experiencing profound health disparities and limited resources prior to the pandemic.

Objective: To assess associations between challenges accessing food, water, healthcare, and medications during the COVID-19 pandemic and SRH among adults in Puerto Rico.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of Puerto Rico-CEAL. Adults (>18 years; n=582) completed an online survey (December 30, 2021-February 8, 2022). Presence of each challenge during the past 30 days was measured and analyzed individually and combined (0, 1, >2). SRH (rated from poor-excellent) was measured before and at pandemic. Change in SRH was calculated. Adjusted Poisson models with robust variance errors estimated prevalence ratios (PR).

Results: Experiencing food, water, medication, and healthcare challenges (vs. not) were associated with pandemic fair-poor SRH (PR=1.44, 95%CI=1.06-1.97; PR=1.59, 95%CI=1.15-2.18; PR=1.38, 95%CI=1.05-1.81; and PR=1.56,9 5%CI=1.15-2.12, respectively). Experiencing 2+ challenges (vs. none) was associated with pandemic fair-poor SRH (PR=1.77, 95%CI=1.22-2.55). Additionally, experiencing food, medication, and healthcare challenges (vs. not) was associated with decreased SRH (PR=1.35, 95%CI=1.08-1.69; PR=1.24, 95%CI=1.01-1.51; and PR=1.25, 95%CI=1.01-1.54, respectively), as well as experiencing 2+ challenges (vs. none; PR =1.49, 95%CI=1.15-1.92).

Conclusion: Challenges accessing food, water, medications, and healthcare services during the pandemic were associated with fair-poor SRH and decreased SRH in Puerto Rico. Public health policy should ensure access to basic needs.