Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 5)
Medical Student
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Community/Public Health
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine Student-Run Clinic (UTRGV SOM SRC) is a free clinic that provides primary care to the underserved population of Hidalgo County. The Pueblo de Palmas colonias in Peñitas, Texas is a community in this medically underserved region. Understanding the unique healthcare needs of this population is essential for guiding the delivery of care and improving access to healthcare services in the area. This study aims to identify and describe the demographics of patients receiving care at the UTRGV SOM SRC in order to tailor health initiatives and provide more targeted, effective care.
Methods: Using a retrospective design, we collected demographic data from SRC patients between 2023 and 2024. The data collected included age, gender, ethnicity, health conditions, and social determinants of health. Descriptive statistics were used to compare this data with the overall demographics of Hidalgo County.
Results: From 2023-2024, 75 patients received care at the SRC, with 93% of identifying as Hispanic, consistent with Hidalgo County's demographic trends. The average age of the patient population was 45 years (SD=12.3), with 68% aged 40 or older. Amongst these patients, chronic conditions were prevalent. 42% of patients were diagnosed with diabetes and 36% with hypertension, both exceeding Texas state averages. Additionally, 25% reported respiratory issues linked to environmental factors like inadequate housing. Socioeconomic challenges were also prominent as 54% of patients faced housing instability, and 62% encountered economic barriers to accessing healthcare.
Conclusions: This study showcases this community’s chronic disease burden, exacerbated by socioeconomic and environmental stressors. Addressing these factors through preventative services, targeted chronic care management, and partnerships that reduce access barriers could help improve the area's health outcomes. The SRC will utilize ongoing demographic data to guide future interventions and identify areas of improvement.
IRB Proposal
Recommended Citation
Cisneros, Fernando; Argenal, Andrea; Williams, Naya; Duddu, Sowmya; Gutierrez, Yolanda; Pulido, Kassandra; Sepulveda, Alyssa; Shaju, Ronald; Alvarez, Nathaniel; Flores, Jessica; Hinojosa, Lucinda; and Tapia, Beatriz, "Community Health Assessment: Chronic Disease and Demographics among Patients at the UTRGV SOM Student-Run Clinic" (2025). Research Symposium. 9.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/9
Community Health Assessment: Chronic Disease and Demographics among Patients at the UTRGV SOM Student-Run Clinic
Background: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine Student-Run Clinic (UTRGV SOM SRC) is a free clinic that provides primary care to the underserved population of Hidalgo County. The Pueblo de Palmas colonias in Peñitas, Texas is a community in this medically underserved region. Understanding the unique healthcare needs of this population is essential for guiding the delivery of care and improving access to healthcare services in the area. This study aims to identify and describe the demographics of patients receiving care at the UTRGV SOM SRC in order to tailor health initiatives and provide more targeted, effective care.
Methods: Using a retrospective design, we collected demographic data from SRC patients between 2023 and 2024. The data collected included age, gender, ethnicity, health conditions, and social determinants of health. Descriptive statistics were used to compare this data with the overall demographics of Hidalgo County.
Results: From 2023-2024, 75 patients received care at the SRC, with 93% of identifying as Hispanic, consistent with Hidalgo County's demographic trends. The average age of the patient population was 45 years (SD=12.3), with 68% aged 40 or older. Amongst these patients, chronic conditions were prevalent. 42% of patients were diagnosed with diabetes and 36% with hypertension, both exceeding Texas state averages. Additionally, 25% reported respiratory issues linked to environmental factors like inadequate housing. Socioeconomic challenges were also prominent as 54% of patients faced housing instability, and 62% encountered economic barriers to accessing healthcare.
Conclusions: This study showcases this community’s chronic disease burden, exacerbated by socioeconomic and environmental stressors. Addressing these factors through preventative services, targeted chronic care management, and partnerships that reduce access barriers could help improve the area's health outcomes. The SRC will utilize ongoing demographic data to guide future interventions and identify areas of improvement.
