Chronic Disease Prevalence in the US: Sociodemographic and Geographic Variations by Zip Code Tabulation Area

Abstract

Introduction We examined the geographic distribution and sociodemographic and economic characteristics of chronic disease prevalence in the US. Understanding disease prevalence and its impact on communities is crucial for effective public health interventions. Methods Data came from the American Community Survey, the American Hospital Association Survey, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s PLACES. We used quartile thresholds for 10 chronic diseases to assess chronic disease prevalence by Zip Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs). ZCTAs were scored from 0 to 20 based on their chronic disease prevalence quartile. Three prevalence categories were established: least prevalent (score ≤6), moderately prevalent (score 7–13), and highest prevalence (score ≥14). Community characteristics were compared across categories and spatial analyses to identify clusters of ZCTAs with high disease prevalence. Results Our study showed a high prevalence of chronic disease in the southeastern region of the US. Populations in ZCTAs with the highest prevalence showed significantly greater socioeconomic disadvantages (ie, lower household income, lower home value, lower educational attainment, and higher uninsured rates) and barriers to health care access (lower percentage of car ownership and longer travel distances to hospital-based intensive care units, emergency departments, federally qualified health centers, and pharmacies) compared with ZCTAs with the lowest prevalence. Conclusion Socioeconomic disparities and health care access should be addressed in communities with high chronic disease prevalence. Carefully directed resource allocation and interventions are necessary to reduce the effects of chronic disease on these communities. Policy makers and clinicians should prioritize efforts to reduce chronic disease prevalence and improve the overall health and well-being of affected communities throughout the US.

Editorial: The role of social dialogue in return to work after chronic conditions

“…More than one-third of people aged 16 and over reported living with a longstanding illness or health problem on average across 26 OECD countries in 2019 (OECD, 2023). In the USA, an estimated 129 million people have at least one major chronic illness as defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services (Benavidez et al ., 2024). This increasing number of people living with chronic conditions represents a public health issue of growing importance.…”

Mobile health clinics: an effective healthcare industry model to address social determinants of health, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes

“…44 Examining chronic disease prevalence highlights the impact of SDOH on health disparities and costs. A 2024 study 45 conducted by the Centers for Disease Control found higher chronic disease rates in communities of lower socioeconomic status, lower education levels, and those of racial and ethnic minorities (p < .001). When compared to their White counterparts, Black and Hispanic communities are disproportionately more affected by chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as have higher mortality rates.…”