Predictive Factors for Nonattendance in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients: A Case-Control Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Nonattendance to dermatology appointments can disrupt continuity of care and may lead to worse outcomes among patients. Factors related to nonattendance among Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients have not been adequately explored.

Methods: This case-control study at an HS subspecialty clinic in the southeastern USA explores patient characteristics and encounter variables predictive of nonattendance using demographic, employment, health insurance, and distance to clinic data using both univariable and mixed-model multivariable logistical regression.

Results: Return visits, Black and unknown race, disabled and unemployed status, Medicaid insurance, current smoking or former smoking status, and living 1-2 h, or 2-3 h away from clinic were found to be significant predictors of nonattendance on the multivariable regression model.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the role social determinants of health play in dermatological care access and the need for increasing accessibility to continued care among certain HS patient populations.