This $358,000 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), under the Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.846), supports research at Brigham & Women's Hospital to elucidate social determinants of health and mental health needs in order to achieve equity in rheumatic disease care. The award will fund a 2-year study that leverages data from the All of Us research program to:
Assess the effects of social risk factors like food insecurity and financial strain on avoidable acute care use among over 50,000 individuals with rheumatic diseases.
Examine the impact of depression and PTSD on hospitalizations and cardiovascular events in this population, accounting for social factors.
The researchers will also utilize validated polygenic risk scores to understand differences in genetic risk for mental health conditions among those with rheumatic diseases. Findings from this project are expected to inform interventions to achieve more equitable care and outcomes for populations disproportionally impacted by rheumatic diseases.