Demographic disparities in health-related social needs among caregivers of stroke survivors: an exploratory cross-sectional study

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and demographic disparities of health-related social needs (HRSNs) across 12 domains among caregivers of stroke survivors, with attention to race/ethnicity and care partnership context. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey examining disparities and correlates of total HRSN burden. Sample consisted of eighty-one US caregivers (69% female; 56% Black or African American between November 2024 and June 2025. Instruments included a demographic questionnaire and CMS Accountable Health Communities HRSN screening tool assessing 12 domains, scored dichotomously, and summed into total HRSNs. RESULTS: Caregivers reported an average of 6.5 unmet social needs (95% CI [5.69, 7.25]). Racial and ethnic minority (REM) caregivers experienced significantly higher total HRSNs than non-REM caregivers (mean 7.81 vs. 3.56; mean difference 4.25, 95% CI [3.05, 5.46]). Regression analysis showed that stroke survivor race, caregiver age (<41), and marital status accounted for 61% of variance in total HRSNs. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of stroke survivors face extensive and inequitable social needs, particularly among those caring for REM stroke survivors, younger caregivers, and married partners. Addressing these disparities requires integrating caregiver-focused, equity-oriented social needs screening into stroke care models.