Characterization of Metabolic Illnesses and Metabolic Syndrome in an Underserved, Predominantly Hispanic/Latino Population at a Local Student Run Free Clinic

Background: Founded in 1979, Lestonnac Clinics address a disparity in access to U.S health care, providing free primary care to underserved populations while exposing volunteer medical professionals (preceptors, residents, medical students, and undergraduates) to many of the social determinants. Methods: This retrospective study evaluates metabolic illnesses, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, and diabetes in 564 uninsured, predominantly Hispanic/Latino patients attending a Lestonnac student-run satellite clinic between 2019 and 2021. The primary objectives of the study include analyzing proportions of metabolic prevalence and comorbidity patterns in the free clinic patient population, a majority of which reported incomes below the federal poverty line. Past retrospective studies on metabolic syndrome lack specialization in underserved communities, and this study addresses that gap. Data here include demographic information, vital signs, and diagnoses. Results: Findings revealed differences in diagnosis prevalence between age groups, with those aged 50 and above showing the highest rates of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and their co-occurrence. Within the student-run free clinic, patients exhibited elevated rates of diabetes (28.7%), and hyperlipidemia (33.2%), surpassing national averages for Hispanic/Latino populations which stand at (11.7%)1 for diabetes, and (10.9%)2 for hyperlipidemia. However our clinic demonstrated lower occurrences of fatty liver (15.3%) and hypertension (34.0%) compared to national data (22.9%)3 and (38.6%)4, respectively. Conclusion: These differences underscore the need for targeted interventions. Future research aims to identify social determinants of health experienced by these patients to enhance intervention effectiveness.