Disparities in Patient Demographics at a Student-Run Free Clinic: Comparing Clinic Utilization to City, State, and National Trends.

Abstract

Background: With 8.4% of Americans uninsured, free clinics serve as essential safety nets for underserved populations. This study compared the demographics of the patients of a student-run free to Toledo, Ohio, and national census data to evaluate health needs, barriers to care, and the characteristics of the underserved population.

Methods: A retrospective review of 1,338 visits across five clinic sites was conducted from February 2023 to February 2024. Demographic variables, including race, insurance, education, sex, and primary language, were analyzed and compared to 2020 Census data from Toledo, Ohio, and the United States.

Results: Compared to Toledo, the clinic served 22.63% fewer White patients, 17.27% more Hispanic/Latino patients, and 5.62% fewer African American patients. Among clinic patients under 65 years, 61.91% were uninsured, compared to 8.3% in Toledo and 10.2% nationally. Non-English speakers were overrepresented (33.4% vs. 6.8% in Toledo and 9.5% nationally), with Spanish speakers making up 21.72% of clinic patients compared to 3.2% in Toledo. Educational attainment differed slightly, with fewer high school graduates (82.97% vs. 87.10% in Toledo) but more individuals with higher education degrees (27.10% vs. 19.6% in Toledo and 25.6% nationally).

Conclusions: This study underscores the demographic differences between CCC patients and city, state, and national populations, offering insight into the populations most reliant on free clinics. Policymakers and public health agencies must consider these disparities to tailor interventions addressing healthcare access and social determinants of health.