Rental Assistance and Cost-Related Medication Nonadherence In Adults with Diabetes

This study examined the association of rental assistance receipt with cost-related medication nonadherence (CRN) engagement in low-income adults with diabetes. Using National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2016 through 2019 and 2020 through 2022, we included low-income adults who were 1) diagnosed with diabetes, 2) prescribed medications, and 3) renters. Propensity score weighting approach created a sample in which receipt of rental assistance was independent of observed sociodemographic characteristics. Logistic regression examined the association of rental assistance receipt with CRN, respectively. Lack of receipt of rental assistance was significantly associated with higher odds of CRN engagement in NHIS 2016-2019 (Odds ratio=2.32; 95% confidence interval=(1.59, 3.37); p<.0001) and NHIS 2020-2022 (Odds ratio=1.74; 95% confidence interval=(1.04, 2.91); p=.03). Given the shortage of affordable housing in the United States, findings suggest that expansion of affordable housing could be critical for improving health outcomes in low-income adults with diabetes.