Piaopiao Li, MS
Exploring the Interplay Between Social Determinants of Health and Multimorbidity in Veterans: A Microsimulation Modeling Approach
Abstract
Previous studies on social determinants of health (SDOH)-targeted programs focus on short-term effects and limited disease outcomes. Long-term studies of the programs’ impact on holistic health outcomes are lacking. Many challenges hinder the use of existing simulation models for such evaluations due to the multifaceted impacts of SDOH and the intricate interplay between SDOH and chronic diseases. Agent-based microsimulation models can be used to address the issues. We aim to develop a lifetime agent-based microsimulation model to simulate the aging and progression of multimorbidity, focusing on the complex interplays between disease and SDOH. We will develop the model using a literature-informed “Physiological and Exposome Roadmap” and machine-learning-driven equations sourced from data within the Veteran Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse. This model can assess the long-term effects and distributional impact on health disparity for SDOH-targeted programs.
I sincerely appreciate the support from the PhRMA Foundation for the project. Applying for the fellowship is a great way to help me become an independent health outcomes researcher. I hope this research can help improve decision-making and benefit the care provided to the nation’s veterans.
