To determine whether sex-based disparities in health care access and utilization (HCAU) exist among individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF).
Approach:
Study Design: A retrospective analysis using data from the All of Us Research Program to evaluate HCAU barriers in patients with AF.
Data Source: Data was sourced from the All of Us Research Program Registered Tier dataset, which includes electronic health records and health surveys.
Participant Criteria: Participants were aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with AF, and completed the Health Care Access and Utilization Survey.
Analysis Method: Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study population and analyze responses to survey questions regarding barriers to care.
Key Findings:
Females with AF experience a higher risk of adverse outcomes compared to males.
Barriers to optimal cardiovascular care disproportionately affect females, who are less likely to receive timely evaluations and treatments.
Sex-based disparities exist in the management of AF, with females receiving fewer rhythm-control therapies and anticoagulation.
Interpretation:
The study presents findings on sex-based differences in HCAU and their potential contribution to disparities in AF outcomes.
Limitations:
The study did not include participants with unknown or nonbinary sex.
Responses were self-reported, which may introduce bias.
Conclusion:
The findings indicate the presence of sex-based disparities in health care access and utilization among individuals with atrial fibrillation.
