RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Pharmacy deserts represent areas where residents face significant challenges to accessing pharmacies. North Carolina (NC) presents an intriguing case study due to its diverse geographic landscape yet lacks extensive research regarding its pharmacy deserts. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to map pharmacy deserts in NC using pharmacy location and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) data measured using the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and descriptively characterize healthcare utilization statistics for University of North Carolina (UNC) Health's catchment population. METHODS: Pharmacy location data was compiled from the NC Board of Pharmacy. Pharmacy deserts were defined based on SVI >0.75 and distance thresholds aligned to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards. Residential characteristics were retrieved from PolicyMap and Social Explorer databases. UNC Health patient utilization data were collected by UNC Pharmacy Data Analytics group for three NC counties. RESULTS: 2,002 NC pharmacies met inclusion criteria. 17.2% urban tracts (1.3M residents) and 4.25% rural tracts (0.14M residents) were identified as pharmacy deserts (adj. p<0.001). Those residing in deserts had significantly less internet access, annual medical cost per capita, and access to homeless relief services as well as significantly higher food insecurity rates and Medicare cost per capita (adj. p <0.001). UNC specific healthcare utilization statistics for the three assessed counties were all poorer in deserts compared to non-deserts within the same counties (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: A geospatial map with the location of pharmacy deserts in NC was created to highlight differences in patient healthcare utilization, affecting rural and urban areas. By incorporating SDOH predictors, this study provides a more nuanced map of NC pharmacy deserts compared to reviewing distance to pharmacies alone. Higher rates of emergency room and inpatient visits in counties with more residents in pharmacy deserts suggests potential health outcomes associated with limited pharmacy access.
RESUMEN
Screening upon entry into prison for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) provides an ideal public health opportunity to offer vaccination to individuals who are nonimmune. We conducted a retrospective review of HAV and HBV immunity among adults living with HIV in the Illinois Department of Corrections between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019. The primary objective was to assess rates of HAV and/or HBV immunity in individuals with HIV. In total, 436 people were included in the study. Of 425 patients who had data for HAV vaccination, 335 were immune. Of 421 patients who had data for HBV vaccination, 272 were immune. Of the 149 patients who were nonimmune to HBV, 22 had active HBV and 6 had an equivocal HBV surface antibody and negative HBV surface antigen. In total, 212 (52%) were immune to both HAV and HBV, and 31 (8%) had no immunity to either HAV or HBV. These data demonstrate an important opportunity to discuss and provide vaccination while in custody.