Demographic Patterns, Social Determinants of Health, and Climate Change Perceptions Among Patients with Cancer and Hypertension

BackgroundThe coexistence of cancer and hypertension presents complex clinical challenges, yet limited research has characterized this population using nationally representative data. Understanding demographic patterns, social determinants of health, and environmental health perceptions in this group is essential for developing targeted interventions. MethodsWe analyzed data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 6, focusing on 507 respondents with both cancer and hypertension (representing 12.82 million U.S. adults when weighted). We compared demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics across sex and race/ethnicity groups using Chi-squared tests, Fishers exact tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. We examined responses to questions regarding social determinants of health, healthcare information sharing comfort, and climate change perceptions. ResultsSignificant sex-based differences emerged, with females reporting lower marriage rates (49% vs. 75%, p < 0.001), lower income (33% vs. 17% earning <$35,000, p = 0.018), higher depression prevalence (31% vs. 18%, p = 0.043), and lower heart condition prevalence (16% vs. 31%, p = 0.012) compared to males. Racial/ethnic disparities were evident in diabetes prevalence (p = 0.012), with non-Hispanic White individuals showing the lowest rates (30%). Non-Hispanic Black and Asian respondents more frequently reported social determinant challenges including food insecurity, transportation barriers, and housing instability compared to non-Hispanic White respondents (all p < 0.05). Females perceived greater harm from climate change than males (50% vs. 41% responding "Some/A lot", p = 0.013). Non-Hispanic Black respondents demonstrated the highest frequency of sun protection behaviors (90% reporting no recent sunburn). ConclusionsIndividuals with concurrent cancer and hypertension exhibit significant demographic and psychosocial heterogeneity. Sex-based and racial/ethnic disparities in social determinants of health, comorbidity patterns, and environmental health perceptions necessitate tailored, culturally responsive clinical interventions and policies to address the multifaceted needs of this population and reduce health inequities.