Examining the Association Between Frequency of Mobile Clinic Visits and Diabetes and Hypertension Control

Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between frequency of mobile clinic visits and diabetes or hypertension control among patients who received regular mobile clinic care, controlling for patient sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities. Design: Retrospective cohort study using patient chart review. Sample: Patients who regularly visited mobile medical clinics in Southern California (N = 218) between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019. Measurements: The dependent variables were hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure control. The independent variable was number of visits per year. Longitudinal associations were examined using a linear mixed model or generalized linear mixed model. Results: Among regular mobile clinic patients with diabetes (n = 86), there was no significant association between number of visits and hemoglobin A1c control (hemoglobin A1c < 6.5). Among regular mobile clinic patients with hypertension (n = 129), the odds of hypertension control (blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg) over time significantly increased as the frequency of clinic visits increased (adjusted OR = 5.27, 95% CI 1.63-16.99). Conclusions: The study findings suggest that regular mobile clinic use by adults with hypertension improves blood pressure control over time. However, the frequency of mobile clinic visits had no effect on diabetes control overtime. Patients with diabetes need additional interventions to achieve hemoglobin A1c control.