Housing Status and Healthcare Utilization in People Presenting With Seizure.

Objective: To examine the association between housing status and healthcare utilization in individuals presenting with seizure.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of all adults (age >18) presenting to a public hospital emergency department with seizures, defined by ICD-9/10 codes, between 1/1/2016 and 8/03/2019. They were categorized by housing status (people experiencing homelessness [PEH], people with housing). Healthcare utilization outcomes were 30-day re-visit to acute care, discharge disposition, and hospital length of stay for those admitted. We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models adjusting for age, comorbidities, and insurance status.

Results: There were 6483 individuals (2092 [32.3%] PEH). Compared to people with housing, PEH were younger (48.2 vs 50.9, P < .0001), more likely to be a person of color (80.9 vs 75.1%, P < .0001), and have Medicaid (51.4% vs 42.9%, P < .0001). People with housing had a higher prevalence of admission to the intensive care unit (3.6% vs 1.8%, P < .0001). After adjustment, admitted PEH had higher odds of 30-day re-visit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.58, 2.21), shorter length of stay (coef Β-12.87, 95% CI: -22.62, -3.11), and lower odds of being discharged to a facility (aOR 0.37, 95% CI: .26, .55) compared to people with housing.

Conclusion and relevance: PEH with seizures had increased healthcare utilization. Further analysis, including imaging findings, anti-seizure medications prescribed, and presumed etiology, is needed to understand the drivers of healthcare utilization and identify appropriate interventions.