Health Disparities in US Territories: Puerto Rico Reports Highest Rates of Poor Physical Health Compared to All 50 States

Recent research highlights significant health disparities in US territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands compared to the 50 states. A study led by Anna-Michelle McSorley from the University of Connecticut utilized the behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS), a unique data source including information from these territories, to assess health-related quality of life indicators. The findings reveal that residents of Puerto Rico experience the highest rates of poor physical health, with 27.8% reporting fair or poor health, markedly higher than the 16.1% in the US states. Guam and the Virgin Islands also report elevated levels, at 17.7% and 18.6% respectively. Interestingly, while physical health disparities are prominent, mental health outcomes are similar across territories and states, with about 12-15% of populations reporting poor mental health. McSorley emphasizes the importance of including territorial data in federal health research, as these regions have historically been underrepresented due to funding and eligibility barriers. Her work aims to improve data equity and spotlight the health needs of these populations. She plans to expand her efforts, particularly focusing on mental health crises such as the 988 hotline, to address these disparities. These insights underscore the need for targeted interventions and increased resource allocation to improve health outcomes in US territories.