Characterization of Low Income Adults Use of Emergency Department Services

Objective: This paper examines differences in characteristics of food pantry clients using an Emergency Department (ED) versus a Primary Care Provider (PCP) for primary healthcare. Methods: Data from a 2012-13 survey at 5 food pantries (N = 251 adults) were evaluated. Socio-demographics, insurance coverage, financial trade-offs and services, chronic diseases, health perceptions, and behaviors were stratified by healthcare source. Inferential statistics were employed to evaluate differences across the primary source of healthcare. Results: ED users engaged in high-risk health behaviors and significantly lower rates of preventive health screenings. The ED cohort reported significantly poorer perceptions of health and lower prevalence of disease. Conclusions: Food pantry clients that utilized a PCP reported better health outcomes and behaviors, supporting efforts for continued care in this highly vulnerable and underserved population.