Work

Self-reported extreme weather event experiences, social needs, and healthcare use among US adults in 2024

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: To examine self-reported experience with extreme weather events (EWEs) among US adults and its association with social needs and healthcare use. Methods: = 6860), multivariable logistic and multinomial logistic models examined sociodemographic associations with EWE experience and association among EWE experience, social needs, and healthcare use. Results: Overall, 71% of US adults reported being affected by EWEs in the past 12 months (32.7% a little, 29.9% some, 8.8% a lot). Adults with chronic conditions (a lot RRR: 2.24 [95%CI: 1.43,3.50]; some: 1.45 [1.12,1.88]; a little: 1.36 [1.01,1.83]), and poorer health status (a lot RRR: 1.78 [1.15,2.77]; some: 1.51 [1.12,2.04]) were more likely to experience EWEs. In turn, any EWE experience was associated with higher likelihood of having social needs. Adults reporting EWE experience were also more likely to report healthcare visits, telemedicine use, and patient portal use. Conclusions: Nearly three-quarters of US adults reported EWE experience in 2024. Reported EWE experience was associated with poorer health, chronic conditions, and social needs while associated with healthcare use differed by care type. Climate resilience efforts should address both care continuity and underlying material and structural needs.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103687

Authors: Eva Chang, Anne Getzin, Gregory A. Wellenius

Institutions: Aurora Health Care, Wake Forest University, Boston University

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610