Access to medications and intermediate markers of health outcomes of a clinic population of patients with diabetes.
This study is a correlational analysis of the efficacy of a Medication Assistance Program (MAP) on intermediate physiologic markers of health outcomes of patients with diabetes, specifically blood pressure, HBA1c, and lipid levels.


METHODS
The sample included 72 patients enrolled in a MAP and 854 patients not enrolled in a MAP and with a diagnosis of diabetes whose key elements of care are tracked in a registry. RESULTS. For established clinic patients, when compared to MAP patients, the MAP group had a small but statistically significant lower mean systolic blood pressure and higher HbA1c. Comparing MAP patients new to the program and those that were established in the program, there were no significant differences on blood pressure, HbA1c, and lipid level.


CONCLUSIONS
Provision of medication alone is certainly necessary, but may not be sufficient, to address health outcomes for impoverished populations.
O'Dell
Kristi
K
University of Mississippi, Department of Social Work, University 38677, USA. kjodell@olemiss.edu
O'Dell
Michael
M
Taylor
James
J
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008483:Medical Assistance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011203:Poverty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008055:Lipids