Faculty mentor/PI email address
brolisnv@rowan.edu
Keywords
Community clinic, barriers, health disparities, south new jersey, uninsured patients
IRB or IACUC Protocol Number
PRO-2022-298
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Introduction:
The Rowan Community Health Center (RCHC) is a student-run free clinic that provides primary care services to uninsured and underserved populations in southern New Jersey. Access to quality healthcare remains a persistent challenge for these communities due to social and economic barriers1 . This study aims to identify and analyze the most common health disparities and barriers to care. The primary outcome of this study was to assess health disparities and barriers to care, secondary outcomes included characterizing chief complaints and identifying alternative care options patients would pursue if not seen at the clinic
Methods:
This survey-based study was conducted at the RCHC located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Participants were recruited directly at the clinic. Inclusion criteria included patients aged 18 years and older who consented to participate. Surveys were administered at the end of each visit. A total of 62 surveys were collected between September 3, 2022, and March 31, 2025. Nine surveys were excluded due to incomplete responses, leaving 53 surveys for analysis. Data on demographic factors, insurance coverage, transportation, food security, and medication affordability were collected. Responses were analyzed using Qualtrics and Microsoft Excel.
Results:
Among 53 respondents, unmet social needs were common, with transportation, access to healthcare, medical appointments, housing, and food each reported by over 20% of patients. The results showed that 74 % lacked health insurance (n=40), and 21% could not afford medications (n=11). Food insecurity affected 21% of respondents (n=11) and 19% reported lack of access to transportation (n=10). If unable to be seen at the clinic, most reported they would seek another free clinic (n=14) or go to the emergency room (n=12) while 8% would ignore the problem entirely. The most common patient chief complaint was for wellness care (n=32); Other complaints ranged from chest pain (n=2) to flu-like symptoms (n=10).
Discussion:
This needs assessment highlights the critical role of free clinics. The high rate of uninsurance and the significant proportion of patients reporting food insecurity, transportation barriers, and medication unaffordability reflect social determinants of health known to worsen outcomes and increase preventable emergency department utilization. Almost one-third of respondents would go to an emergency room or forgo care entirely if they were unable to be seen. The range of presenting complaints, from wellness visits to acute issues like chest pain and flu-like symptoms, highlights the clinic’s role not only as a primary care site but also as an entry point to the healthcare system for those facing socioeconomic barriers. Therefore, addressing unmet social needs alongside medical care is essential to reducing disparities and preventing morbidity. Limitations of this study include a small sample size and limited geographic focus. Future research should involve larger, more diverse populations to better generalize these findings.
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences
Included in
Assessment of Health Disparities Among Community Clinic Patients in Southern New Jersey
Introduction:
The Rowan Community Health Center (RCHC) is a student-run free clinic that provides primary care services to uninsured and underserved populations in southern New Jersey. Access to quality healthcare remains a persistent challenge for these communities due to social and economic barriers1 . This study aims to identify and analyze the most common health disparities and barriers to care. The primary outcome of this study was to assess health disparities and barriers to care, secondary outcomes included characterizing chief complaints and identifying alternative care options patients would pursue if not seen at the clinic
Methods:
This survey-based study was conducted at the RCHC located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Participants were recruited directly at the clinic. Inclusion criteria included patients aged 18 years and older who consented to participate. Surveys were administered at the end of each visit. A total of 62 surveys were collected between September 3, 2022, and March 31, 2025. Nine surveys were excluded due to incomplete responses, leaving 53 surveys for analysis. Data on demographic factors, insurance coverage, transportation, food security, and medication affordability were collected. Responses were analyzed using Qualtrics and Microsoft Excel.
Results:
Among 53 respondents, unmet social needs were common, with transportation, access to healthcare, medical appointments, housing, and food each reported by over 20% of patients. The results showed that 74 % lacked health insurance (n=40), and 21% could not afford medications (n=11). Food insecurity affected 21% of respondents (n=11) and 19% reported lack of access to transportation (n=10). If unable to be seen at the clinic, most reported they would seek another free clinic (n=14) or go to the emergency room (n=12) while 8% would ignore the problem entirely. The most common patient chief complaint was for wellness care (n=32); Other complaints ranged from chest pain (n=2) to flu-like symptoms (n=10).
Discussion:
This needs assessment highlights the critical role of free clinics. The high rate of uninsurance and the significant proportion of patients reporting food insecurity, transportation barriers, and medication unaffordability reflect social determinants of health known to worsen outcomes and increase preventable emergency department utilization. Almost one-third of respondents would go to an emergency room or forgo care entirely if they were unable to be seen. The range of presenting complaints, from wellness visits to acute issues like chest pain and flu-like symptoms, highlights the clinic’s role not only as a primary care site but also as an entry point to the healthcare system for those facing socioeconomic barriers. Therefore, addressing unmet social needs alongside medical care is essential to reducing disparities and preventing morbidity. Limitations of this study include a small sample size and limited geographic focus. Future research should involve larger, more diverse populations to better generalize these findings.