Social determinants and health-related social needs associated with physical and mental distress among U.S. adults with COPD

Objectives This study investigated the prevalence of adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) and health-related social needs (HRSN) and their associations with physical and mental distress among U.S. adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was analyzed for respondents across 37 U.S. states who self-reported COPD and completed the Social Determinants and Health Equity module. Weighted prevalence estimates and logistic regression models evaluated associations between SDOH, HRSN, and self-reported physical/mental health, controlling for demographics. Results Among 32,962 respondents with COPD, social isolation (23.08%) and mental stress (24.80%) were common. Females experienced high rates of food insecurity (65.59%) and housing insecurity (65.90%). Social isolation (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.83–1.85) and life dissatisfaction (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 2.09–2.11) were associated with increased odds of frequent physical distress. For mental distress, life dissatisfaction (OR = 5.07, 95% CI: 5.04–5.10), stress (OR = 7.11, 95% CI: 7.07–7.14), and transportation barriers (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 2.14–2.16) were associated with increased odds. Discussion Social isolation, life dissatisfaction, stress, and transportation barriers were associated with increased physical and mental distress in COPD.