Objectives/Goals: This proposed study aims to explore whether geographic patterns exist in the prevalence of anxiety diagnoses among adult patients (ages 18–64 years) using EHR data from three counties in North Carolina. Methods/Study Population: This proposed study will employ a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of de-identified EHR data, examining anxiety diagnoses across geographic locations. To analyze the data, a multi-step approach will be used, combining geospatial analysis, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistical tests. Results/Anticipated Results: Findings may reveal geographic disparities in anxiety prevalence, highlighting potential social determinants of mental health and social risk factors. Identifying spatial patterns could inform targeted interventions to improve mental health equity and resource allocation in high-burden areas. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Understanding the geographic distribution of anxiety diagnoses can help guide policy and healthcare efforts to address mental health disparities. This study contributes to the growing body of research leveraging EHR data to examine population-level mental health trends.
Briana Barrett (Wed,) studied this question.