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Descripción
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare services and delayed preventive care, increasing risks of morbidity, mortality, and financial strain due to chronic disease progression. This study examined the pandemic's impact on preventive services utilization in Hampton Roads, Virginia, identifying baseline trends to assess health and healthcare system consequences. ,
Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed select immunization, cancer screening, and diabetes management data from Virginia All-Payer Claims Database (APCD), evaluating utilization trends from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, among individuals aged 0 to 89 years. Data were evaluated using interrupted time series (ITS) analysis.
Results: Preliminary findings showed significant declines in preventive services utilization, with reductions in vaccination rates and cancer screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, and fecal occult blood tests).
Discussion: These findings indicate dramatic reductions in preventive healthcare services during the pandemic, with sustained effects on current preventive care utilization. This baseline study lays groundwork for future analyses of disease progression and economic impacts of disruption. Study findings will inform efforts increasing preventive services utilization and preparing for future public health crises to minimize preventable chronic disease burdens.
