Head and Neck Examinations Among Patients Presenting to HRSA-Funded Health Centers in the United States.

Abstract

Objective: Health centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) are a safety net for people who may not be able to access care elsewhere. Patients eligible for care at these facilities share some of the same risk factors for developing head and neck cancer. The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of head and neck cancer examinations among patients of HRSA-funded health centers.

Methods: This is an analysis of the cross-sectional 2022 Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS). Self-reported data from this survey of patients of health centers regarding receipt of head and neck examinations is summarized, with results stratified by sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related factors.

Results: Four thousand four hundred and fourteen unweighted patients (20,693,940 weighted) participated in the HCPS, 69.5% of whom answered questions about a head and neck exam. Of these, 9.9% of patients reported a history of a head and neck exam (HNE). Patients from minoritized racial/ethnic groups were less likely to report an HNE compared to White, non-Hispanic patients. Patients with Medicare, Medicaid, and lower incomes were also less likely to report an HNE compared to patients with private insurance and incomes above $50,000 per year. A dental exam anywhere within the last year was associated with a report of an HNE.

Conclusions: Disparities in reported HNEs were observed by patient race/ethnicity, medical payor, income, and recency of dental visit among patients of US health centers. Health centers may be uniquely positioned to explore and generate evidence regarding HNEs that could inform changes in practice.