Analysis of Social Determinants of Health in the Pediatric General Surgical Population of a Northeastern Urban Health System

Abstract

BackgroundSocial determinants of health (SDOH) have been identified as factors that influence patient health outcomes. These are well described in adult and pediatric general populations, however, there is a paucity of data for surgical patients. This study compares the prevalence of health-related social needs (HRSN) among pediatric surgery and general pediatric patients. MethodsWe retrospectively assessed electronic health record data to identify patients who completed a standardized HRSN screener within our health system and underwent surgery by a pediatric surgeon between January 2019 and December 2021. We compared this population to non-surgical pediatric patients during this time. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to estimate the likelihood of having 1 or more HRSN given a patient’s surgery status. Logistic and linear regressions were conducted to estimate healthcare utilization in pediatric surgery patients given their HRSN status. Results33,989 general pediatric and pediatric surgery patients (age <21 years) were screened for HRSNs, and 2,112 operations were performed during the study period. 343 (20%) of the surgical patients operated on by pediatric surgeons were screened for HRSNs. Surgical patients were more likely to be younger, Latinx, Spanish-speaking, and non-commercially insured (p<0.0001). Surgical patients were 50% more likely to report one or more HRSN, when adjusting for demographic characteristics (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.16, 1.94). ConclusionPediatric surgery patients are more likely to report HRSNs compared to the general pediatric population. Surgical patients may represent an at-risk group, and universal HRSN screening and support should be considered to improve outcomes. Level of EvidenceLevel III