Markers Of Socioeconomic Status Research Articles

Nonlinear associations between the ratio of family income to poverty and all-cause mortality among adults in NHANES study

Socioeconomic status (SES) has been linked to mortality rates, with family income being a quantifiable marker of SES. However, the precise association between the family income-to-poverty ratio (PIR) and all-cause mortality in adults aged 40 and older remains unclear. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from NHANES III, including 20,497 individuals. The PIR was used to assess financial status, and various demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors were considered. Mortality data were collected from the NHANES III linked mortality file. The study revealed a non-linear association between PIR and all-cause mortality. The piecewise Cox proportional hazards regression model showed an inflection point at PIR 3.5. Below this threshold, the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 0.85 (95% CI 0.79–0.91), while above 3.5, the HR decreased to 0.66 (95% CI 0.57–0.76). Participants with lower income had a higher probability of all-cause mortality, with middle-income and high-income groups showing lower multivariate-adjusted HRs compared to the low-income group. This study provides evidence of a non-linear association between PIR and all-cause mortality in adults aged 40 and older, with an inflection point at PIR 3.5. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the non-linear relationship between family income and mortality when addressing socioeconomic health disparities.

Do sex, age, and comorbidities modify the association of socioeconomic status and opioid use after total hip arthroplasty?: a population-based study from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Register.

We aimed to examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) markers and opioid use after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to osteoarthritis, and whether sex, age, or comorbidities modify any association. Using Danish databases, we included 80,038 patients undergoing primary THA (2001-2018). We calculated prevalences and prevalence ratios (PRs with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of immediate post-THA opioid use (≥ 1 prescription within 1 month) and continued opioid use (≥ 1 prescription in 1-12 months) among immediate opioid users. Exposures were individual-based education, cohabitation, and wealth. The prevalence of immediate opioid use was ~45% in preoperative non-users and ~60% in preoperative users (≥ 1 opioid 0-6 months before THA). Among non-users, the prevalences and PRs of continued opioid use were: 28% for low vs. 21% for high education (PR 1.28, CI 1.20-1.37), 27% for living alone vs. 23% for cohabiting (PR 1.09, CI 1.04-1.15), and 30% for low vs. 20% for high wealth (PR 1.43, CI 1.35-1.51). Among users, prevalences were 67% for low vs. 55% for high education (1.22, CI 1.17-1.27), 68% for living alone vs. 60% for cohabiting (PR 1.10, CI 1.07-1.12), and 73% for low wealth vs. 54% for high wealth (PR 1.32, CI 1.28-1.36). Based on testing for interaction, sex, age, and comorbidity did not statistically significant modify the associations. Nevertheless, associations were stronger in younger patients for all SES markers (mainly for non-users). Markers of low SES were associated with a higher prevalence of continued post-THA opioid use. Age modified the magnitude of the associations, but it was not statistically significant.

Size and Location of Preterm Brain Injury and Associations With Neurodevelopmental Outcomes.

We examined associations of white matter injury (WMI) and periventricular hemorrhagic infarction (PVHI) volume and location with 18-month neurodevelopment in very preterm infants. A total of 254 infants born <32 weeks' gestational age were prospectively recruited across 3 tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Infants underwent early-life (median 33.1 weeks) and/or term-equivalent-age (median 41.9 weeks) MRI. WMI and PVHI were manually segmented for quantification in 92 infants. Highest maternal education level was included as a marker of socioeconomic status and was defined as group 1 = primary/secondary school; group 2 = undergraduate degree; and group 3 = postgraduate degree. Eighteen-month neurodevelopmental assessments were completed with Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition. Adverse outcomes were defined as a score of less than 85 points. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations of brain injury (WMI and PVHI) volume with neurodevelopmental outcomes. Voxel-wise lesion symptom maps were developed to assess relationships between brain injury location and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Greater brain injury volume was associated with lower 18-month Motor scores (β = -5.7, 95% CI -9.2 to -2.2, p = 0.002) while higher maternal education level was significantly associated with higher Cognitive scores (group 3 compared 1: β = 14.5, 95% CI -2.1 to 26.9, p = 0.03). In voxel-wise lesion symptom maps, brain injury involving the central and parietal white matter was associated with an increased risk of poorer motor outcomes. We found that brain injury volume and location were significant predictors of motor, but not cognitive outcomes, suggesting that different pathways may mediate outcomes across domains of neurodevelopment in preterm infants. Specifically, assessing lesion size and location may allow for more accurate identification of infants with brain injury at highest risk of poorer motor outcomes. These data also highlight the importance of socioeconomic status in cognitive outcomes, even in preterm infants with brain injury.

505 Use of Expanded Access at Michigan Medicine and Associations with Neighborhood Factors

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Socioeconomic status (SES) affects risk of disease and access to therapies. The expanded access (EA) pathway allows for the clinical use of investigational products for patients who have serious illness but no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapeutic options. The SES of patients who receive EA is unknown. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We reviewed the patients who were approved for treatment through a single-patient EA pathway between 2018 and 2023. Using Michigan Medicine (MM) DataDirect software linked to the MM electronic medical record system, we linked the EA pathway patients to neighborhood data from the National Neighborhood Data Archive (NaNDA) to compare neighborhood related markers of affluence among EA patients and others treated at MM. We used descriptive statistics to compare variables between EA pathway patients and residents of the state of Michigan or the local county surrounding MM (Washtenaw County), using US Census tract data to provide context for these findings. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: MM patients who received EA treatments were more likely to come from neighborhoods that showed markers of high SES compared to residents of the state of Michigan but not Washtenaw County. This includes the proportion of persons living in poverty (12.5% EA / 13.4% Michigan / 12.4% Washtenaw) and education in the form of a bachelor’s degree or higher (32.2% / 30.6% / 57.2%). This varied by the disease being treated. Oncology patients were more likely to be from areas with less poverty and more education (12.4% / 76.8%) than the EA average. EA patients being treated for infectious diseases were from areas with more poverty and less education (13.5% / 26.7%). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Patients treated at Michigan Medicine using treatments obtained through the EA pathway came from areas that were, on average, more affluent than residents of the state of Michigan as a whole. This finding warrants more research to ensure equitable access to these therapies for patients in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Abstract MP44: Non-Genetic Component of Height as a Surrogate Marker for Childhood Socioeconomic Status and Its Association With Cardiovascular and Brain Health: Results From HCHS/SOL

Introduction: Childhood socioeconomic status (SES) has been recognized to have lifelong effects on health, but often studies rely on recollected information subject to bias. Several studies suggest taller adult height is a surrogate for favorable childhood SES, likely due to better nutrition during skeletal development. We aimed to parse out the non-genetic component of height as a refined surrogate marker of childhood SES. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the higher non-genetic component of height is associated with higher childhood SES, and further, with better cardiovascular and brain health in adulthood. Methods: Self-reported information such as parental education, nativity (born in US 50 states/DC), age at migration, and economic hardship to pay for basic needs and access to household utilities during childhood were collected from US Hispanics/Latinos aged 18-74 years in HCHS/SOL (2008-2011). A non-genetic component of height (height non-pgs ) was estimated by subtracting genetically predicted height from the measured height, where a height genetic prediction model was fitted on sex-standardized height with Hispanic-specific height polygenic score (height pgs ), genetic ancestry components, and sex. The AHA-LE8 cardiovascular health (CVH) clinical score was derived. Neurocognitive function (6-item screener, Spanish English Verbal Learning Test, Word fluency test, Digit symbol substitution test) was assessed among &gt;45 years. We examined the associations of height non-pgs with childhood environment and health outcomes by survey linear regressions. Results: A higher height non-pgs was associated with better childhood environment - younger generation (mean height non-pgs = 0.37 (SE=0.02) for born in 1980-1999 vs -0.45 (0.03) for born in 1930-1949), higher parental education (0.28 (0.02) for college vs -0.11 (0.02) for elementary), US born or migrated at younger age, and availability of plumbing, electricity, and phone during childhood - but not with childhood economic hardship. Further, height non-pgs was positively associated with better cognitive functions in all domains, adjusting for demographics, participants’ SES, and cardiovascular risk factors. These associations with height non-pgs were more pronounced than those with measured height. Height non-pgs showed positive associations with better clinical CVH score among 45+ aged people. Among &lt;45 years, height non-pgs was negatively associated with clinical CVH score. Conclusions: We observed that height non-pgs reflects childhood SES, potentially through better nutrition and greater access to resources that promote growth. Stronger associations of height non-pgs and health, compared to associations with measured height, suggest that height non-pgs is a good proxy for childhood environment. The paradoxical association of height non-pgs with CVH among &lt;45 years old needs further investigation.

Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantages influence outcomes following rotator cuff repair in the non-Medicaid population

BackgroundPrior investigations have utilized various surrogate markers of socioeconomic status to assess how healthcare disparities impact outcomes after rotator cuff repair (RCR). When taken as individual markers, these factors have inconsistent associations. Medicaid insurance status is an accessible marker that has recently been correlated with less optimal outcomes after RCR. Socioeconomic disparities exist within the non-Medicaid population as well and are arguably more difficult to characterize. The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) uses seventeen socioeconomic variables to establish a spectrum of neighborhood healthcare disparity. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantages, quantified by ADI, on 2-year patient reported outcome scores following RCR in the non-Medicaid population. MethodsA retrospective review of patients who underwent RCR from 2015-2020 was performed. All procedures were performed by a group of seven surgeons at a large academic center. Patient demographics and comorbidities were collected from charts. Rotator cuff tear size was assessed from arthroscopic pictures. ADI scores were calculated based on patients’ home addresses using the Neighborhood Atlas tool. The primary outcome measure was American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score with minimum follow-up of two years. A linear regression analysis with covariate control for age and patient comorbidities was performed. ResultsThere were 287 patients with a mean age of 60.11 years. The linear regression model between ADI and two-year ASES score was significant (p = .02). When controlling for both age and patient comorbidities, every 0.9-point reduction in ADI resulted in a 1-point increase in the ASES score (P = 0.03). Patients with an ADI of 8, 9, or 10 had lower mean two-year ASES scores than those with an ADI of 1 (87.08 vs 93.19, p = .04), but both groups had similar change from preoperative ASES score (40.17 vs 32.88, p =.12). The change in ASES score at two-years in our study surpassed all established MCID values irrespective of ADI. ConclusionPatients with greater levels of disparity in their home neighborhoods have worse final ASES scores at two years, but patients significantly improve from their preoperative state regardless of social disadvantages. This is the first study to the authors’ knowledge that examines ADI and outcomes following RCR. Providers should be aware that patients with higher ADI scores may have inferior preoperative shoulder function. The results of this study support the utilization of primary rotator cuff repair in applicable tears regardless of socioeconomic status.

Subjective social status and trajectories of frailty: findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

ObjectivesSubjective social status is a known antecedent for many health outcomes, but little research has examined the association between subjective status and frailty among older people. Using longitudinal data, the...

Economic microbiology: exploring microbes as agents in economic systems.

Microbial communities exhibit striking parallels with economic markets, resembling intricate ecosystems where microorganisms engage in resource exchange akin to human market transactions. This dynamic network of resource swapping mirrors economic trade in human markets, with microbes specializing in metabolic functions much like businesses specializing in goods and services. Cooperation and competition are central dynamics in microbial communities, with alliances forming for mutual benefit and species vying for dominance, similar to businesses seeking market share. The human microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms within and on our bodies, is not only a marker of socioeconomic status but also a critical factor contributing to persistent health inequalities. Social and economic factors shape the composition of the gut microbiota, impacting healthcare access and quality of life. Moreover, these microbes exert indirect influence over human decisions by affecting neurotransmitter production, influencing mood, behavior, and choices related to diet and emotions. Human activities significantly impact microbial communities, from dietary choices and antibiotic use to environmental changes, disrupting these ecosystems. Beyond their natural roles, humans harness microbial communities for various applications, manipulating their interactions and resource exchanges to achieve specific goals in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. In conclusion, the concept of microbial communities as biological markets offers valuable insights into their intricate functioning and adaptability. It underscores the profound interplay between microbial ecosystems and human health and behavior, with far-reaching implications for multiple disciplines. To paraphrase Alfred Marshall, "the Mecca of the economist lies in economic microbiology."

INEQUALITIES IN POLYPHARMACY IN ADULTS AGED 65+ IN ENGLAND

Abstract Understanding the role of socio-economic factors in the number of medications an individual is prescribed, can help healthcare practitioners target medication reviews and safer prescribing, improving quality of life. We aimed to understand the association between socio-economic factors and polypharmacy - defined as the use of five or more medications at any given time. Data was used from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (CFAS), focusing on adults aged 65 years and over. Data from CFAS I and CFAS II, was used to understand the relationship between education (a marker of socio-economic status) and polypharmacy. Individuals were categorised on the number of years in full time education, and baseline cohorts (wave 1) from each study were compared, to identify the longitudinal effect. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between polypharmacy and education. Increased number of years of full-time education was associated with a decreased likelihood in polypharmacy, in CFAS II - those with &amp;lt;10 years of full-time education showed higher odds of polypharmacy, when compared to individuals with 10-11 years of full-time education, OR 1.61 (95 % CI 1.44-1.80). However, similar odds were displayed across each education category and polypharmacy in CFAS I. Results have showcased growing inequalities in healthcare, particularly through the influence of education on polypharmacy. Socio-economic factors could be used to trigger for medication related review services.

Socioeconomic inequalities in health and healthcare utilization among the elderly in Brazil: results from the 2019 National Health Survey

ObjectivesTo assess socioeconomic-related inequalities in health and healthcare utilization among the elderly in Brazil. Study designCross-sectional nationally representative household-based survey. MethodsWe evaluated the Brazilian National Health Survey data collected in 2019. We computed the prevalence of measures of health conditions and healthcare utilization by age-bracket and markers of socioeconomic status—income, educational attainment, and race/ethnicity—among individuals aged 60 or older. We further employed logistic regression models, adjusted for a wide set of covariates, to estimate the relationship between socioeconomic status and those outcomes. ResultsHigher-income and more educated individuals exhibit better health conditions compared to their lower-income and less-educated counterparts within each age bracket. Results from regression models showed strong associations with income and educational attainment for most health conditions: health status, physical activity, difficulties with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and depression. For most conditions, weaker or no associations with race/ethnicity were found. Individuals in the highest income quintile and that completed higher education also had higher odds of having consulted a physician, while high-income individuals had lower odds of having received emergency care at home. ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight the significant socioeconomic inequalities in the health of the elderly population in Brazil. The substantial and pervasive nature of these inequalities stresses the need for action to address them.

Food deprivation among adults in India: an analysis of specific food categories, 2016–2021

Adult undernourishment remains pervasive throughout India, and often results from food deprivation, which refers to the inadequate consumption of foods with caloric and nutrient significance. Therefore, understanding the extent to which food groups are missing from an individual's diet is essential to understanding the extent to which they are undernourished. We used data from two National Family Health Surveys conducted in 2016 and 2021 for this cross-sectional analysis. The study population consisted of women and pregnant women between the ages of 15-49, and men between the ages of 15-54. We examined shifts in the percentage of people not consuming dairy, pulses/beans/legumes, dark leafy green vegetables, fruits, eggs, and fish and meat among women, pregnant women, and men between the two time points. We also examined these patterns by household wealth and education, two important markers of socioeconomic status. Overall, we found that fewer women, pregnant women, and men were not eating each of the six food groups in 2021 than in 2016. Additionally, the gap in food group consumption between women, pregnant women, and men in the lowest and highest socioeconomic groups shrank between 2016 and 2021. Yet, food group deprivation remained most prevalent among those in the lowest socioeconomic groups. The two exceptions for this were for eggs and meat/fish. Nevertheless, the majority of India's poorest and least educated adults are not consuming high-quality protein sources, including dairy, the consumption of which is far more common among wealthier and more educated Indian adults. Our results show that fewer adults were not consuming important food groups in 2021 than in 2016. However, many of India's poorest and least educated adults are still not consuming high-quality sources of protein or fruits, two food groups that are essential for good health. While adults might be getting protein and nutrients from pulses, legumes, beans, and other vegetables, efforts are needed to improve affordability of, and access to, high-quality sources of protein and fruits. This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, INV-002992.

Socioeconomic status is associated with greater hazard of post-discharge mortality than race, gender, and ballistic injury mechanism in a young, healthy, orthopedic trauma population

ObjectivesTo explore the utility of legacy demographic factors and ballistic injury mechanism relative to popular markers of socioeconomic status as prognostic indicators of 10-year mortality following hospital discharge in a young, healthy patient population with isolated orthopedic trauma injuries. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate patients treated at an urban Level I trauma center from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2016. Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify upper and lower extremity fracture patients undergoing operative fixation. Exclusion criteria were selected to yield a patient population of isolated extremity trauma in young, otherwise healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 years. Variables collected included injury mechanism, age, race, gender, behavior risk factors, Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and insurance status. The primary outcome was post-discharge mortality, occurring at any point during the study period. ResultsWe identified 2539 patients with operatively treated isolated extremity fractures. The lowest two quartiles of socioeconomic status (SES) were associated with higher hazard of mortality than the highest SES quartile in multivariable analysis (Quartile 3 HR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–4.1, p = 0.01; Quartile 4 HR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.3, p = 0.02). Not having private insurance was associated with higher mortality hazard in multivariable analysis (HR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3–3.2, p = 0.002). The presence of any behavioral risk factor was associated with higher mortality hazard in univariable analysis (HR: 1.8, p < 0.05), but this difference did not reach statistical significance in multivariable analysis (HR: 1.4, 95%: 0.8–2.3, p = 0.20). Injury mechanism (ballistic versus blunt), gender, and race were not associated with increased hazard of mortality (p > 0.20). ConclusionLow SES is associated with a greater hazard of long-term mortality than ballistic injury mechanism, race, gender, and medically diagnosable behavioral risk factors in a young, healthy orthopedic trauma population with isolated extremity injury.

70 Uncovering Comorbid Neuropsychological Disorders in Children with Unilateral Hearing Loss Under Consideration for Cochlear Implantation

Objective:Children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) have difficulty hearing in noisy environments and localizing sounds, impacting learning and social opportunities across contexts. Using a visible device like a cochlear implant (CI) may improve functioning but can also create psychological risk. Audiological measures alone are insufficient for predicting social, emotional, educational, adaptive, and quality-of-life post-operative outcomes, which are highly variable in this population and can also be impacted by a secondary diagnosis. Extending beyond audition to consider the “whole child” through neuropsychological evaluation may produce a sharper picture of potential outcomes, with or without surgical/audiological intervention. Given recent FDA approval for CI in children with UHL, more are receiving this elective surgery despite difficulties predicting who will experience significant benefit. Here we describe neuropsychological profiles of children with UHL who underwent CI candidacy evaluation at a tertiary pediatric hospital.Participants and Methods:During pre-operative clinical care, CI candidates completed targeted neuropsychological evaluation to identify patient- and family-level factors that could impact CI use and outcomes from surgery. Cognitive, language, attention/executive, visuoperceptual/visuomotor, academic, adaptive, and emotional/behavioral functioning were assessed. Evaluations integrated history, observations, caregiver report forms, and performance-based test data.Results:18 individuals were evaluated (age 7-months to 16-years). Most had left-sided UHL (67%) and were male (61%). Known hearing loss etiologies were congenital cytomegalovirus (n=5), enlarged vestibular aqueduct (n=1), traumatic brain injury (n=1), meningitis (n=1), cholesteatoma (n=1), neurofibromatosis type 1 (n=1), and Waardenburg syndrome (n=1). Indices of general cognitive ability were generally low average to average. Patterns of cognitive impairment were not restricted to language-based tasks (e.g., Beery VMI-6 range 56-109, M=89.42, SD=16.27). Standardized parent ratings of everyday executive functioning, social/emotional/behavioral functioning, and adaptive skills were collected. Eight (44%) had a behavioral health diagnosis: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (n=2), Global Developmental Delay (n=2), Unspecified Neurodevelopmental Disorder (n=2), Autism Spectrum Disorder (n=1), and Depression (n=1). Thirteen (72%) received or will receive a CI, of whom 38% had a behavioral health diagnosis. Average Area Deprivation Index (a marker of socio-economic status) was lower for individuals who ultimately received CIs (M=18%tile) compared to those who did not (M=25%tile).Conclusions:There may be increased rates of neurodevelopmental/psychological conditions among children with UHL, especially when the etiology involves the central nervous system. Albeit preliminary, results align with findings from bilateral hearing loss samples. Findings highlight the importance of routine neuropsychological screening in children with UHL and close interdisciplinary collaboration for optimal outcomes. Socio-economic disparities among those who do and do not receive CI need further exploration as those who did not receive CIs tended to be from less resourced neighborhoods. Additional research is warranted to understand the full range of risk and protective factors for children with UHL and how these relate to outcomes for those who opt for cochlear implantation.

71 Profiles of Parent Ratings on the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Third Edition in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Objective:Standardized assessment measures can provide data to inform a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Most measures assessing ASD characteristics rely on some degree of behavioral response to sound (e.g., responding to name, demonstrating listening response), and are often not appropriate for use with children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), especially with individuals who use signed languages. Few studies have reported on the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3) for DHH children, and we aim to describe BASC-3 profiles in children with ASD who are DHH.Participants and Methods:Participants include eight DHH patients diagnosed with ASD through interdisciplinary team evaluations by developmental-behavioral pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, and neuropsychologists with expertise in DHH child development. Demographics include a mean age of 6.17 years, and 62.5% were Male. Self-reported racial distribution was 75% White, 12.5% Black and 12.5% declined to answer. Average Area Deprivation Index (marker of socioeconomic status) was 32.13%tile. As a part of the evaluation, parents rated their children using the BASC-3. Languages include spoken English (75%) and American Sign Language (25%). Relevant co-occurringneurodevelopmental/psychological diagnoses include Global Developmental Delay (n=1), Moderate Intellectual Disability (n=1), and Depression (n=1). Types of hearing loss include sensorineural (75%), conductive (12.5%), and mixed (12.5%). Three participants had different degrees of bilateral hearing loss in each ear: mild sloping-severe, moderate rising-mild (n=1), profound, moderate rising-normal level (n=1), and profound, moderate (n=1). Four participants had the same level of hearing loss in both ears: moderate-moderately severe (n=1), moderately severe-severe (n=1), severe-profound (n=1), and profound (n=1). One child had a unilateral moderate hearing loss. Technology utilized: unilateral hearing aid (n=2), bilateral hearing aids (n=2), unilateral cochlear implant (n=1), bilateral cochlear implants (n=2), and bimodal technology (n=1). BASC-3 scales of interest in this study were the developmental social disorders scale (DSD), Autism probability index (AUI), clinical scales, and adaptive scales. BASC-3 scores were standardized using General Combined norms and means were plotted.Results:BASC-3 mean scores on clinical scales were elevated (T&gt;60) on Atypicality (M=71), Hyperactivity (M=63), Withdrawal (M=63), and Attention Problems (M=65) in children with ASD who are DHH in this sample. BASC-3 mean scores on adaptive scales were below threshold (T&lt;40) on Social Skills (M=37), Functional Communication (M=39), and overall Adaptive Skills (M=39). DSD scores were in the at-risk (T&gt;60&lt;70) range for 2 out of 8 cases and clinically significant (T&gt;70) for 5 out of 8 cases.The AUI was clinically significant for 2 out of the 3 cases within the age range for reporting AUI data.Conclusions:In this preliminary sample of DHH children with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD by comprehensive specialized interdisciplinary clinical evaluations, parent ratings on the BASC-3 were consistent with what is known about BASC-3 profiles in hearing children diagnosed with ASD. Our findings suggest it may be helpful to review the DSD, AUI, clinical scales, and adaptive skills scales profiles when assessing DHH children at risk for ASD. Further research, including a larger sample size and assessment of language differences among participants, is necessary.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels in Maternal and Cord Plasma Are Associated with Maternal Socioeconomic Status.

Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a crucial role in fetal growth and neurodevelopment, while omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated that socioeconomic status (SES) influences dietary intake of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs, but few studies have evaluated the association between maternal and cord plasma biomarkers of PUFAs and socioeconomic markers. An IRB-approved study enrolled mother-infant pairs (n = 55) at the time of delivery. Maternal and cord plasma PUFA concentrations were analyzed using gas chromatography. Markers of SES were obtained from validated surveys and maternal medical records. Mann-Whitney U tests and linear regression models were utilized for statistical analysis. Maternal eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (p = 0.02), cord EPA (p = 0.04), and total cord n-3 PUFA concentrations (p = 0.04) were significantly higher in college-educated mothers vs. mothers with less than a college education after adjustment for relevant confounders. Insurance type and household income were not significantly associated with n-3 or n-6 PUFA plasma concentrations after adjustment. Our findings suggest that mothers with lower educational status may be at risk of lower plasma concentrations of n-3 PUFAs at delivery, which could confer increased susceptibility to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Socioeconomic status and diabetes technology use in youth with type 1 diabetes: a comparison of two funding models.

Technology use, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump therapy, is associated with improved outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In 2017 CGM was universally funded for youth with T1D in Australia. In contrast, pump access is primarily accessed through private health insurance, self-funding or philanthropy. The study aim was to investigate the use of diabetes technology across different socioeconomic groups in Australian youth with T1D, in the setting of two contrasting funding models. A cross-sectional evaluation of 4957 youth with T1D aged <18 years in the national registry was performed to determine technology use. The Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD) derived from Australian census data is an area-based measure of socioeconomic status (SES). Lower quintiles represent greater disadvantage. IRSD based on most recent postcode of residence was used as a marker of SES. A multivariable generalised linear model adjusting for age, diabetes duration, sex, remoteness classification, and location within Australia was used to determine the association between SES and device use. CGM use was lower in IRSD quintile 1 in comparison to quintiles 2 to 5 (p<0.001) where uptake across the quintiles was similar. A higher percentage of pump use was observed in the least disadvantaged IRSD quintiles. Compared to the most disadvantaged quintile 1, pump use progressively increased by 16% (95% CI: 4% to 31%) in quintile 2, 19% (6% to 33%) in quintile 3, 35% (21% to 50%) in quintile 4 and 51% (36% to 67%) in the least disadvantaged quintile 5. In this large national dataset, use of diabetes technologies was found to differ across socioeconomic groups. For nationally subsidised CGM, use was similar across socioeconomic groups with the exception of the most disadvantaged quintile, an important finding requiring further investigation into barriers to CGM use within a nationally subsidised model. User pays funding models for pump therapy result in lower use with socioeconomic disadvantage, highlighting inequities in this funding approach. For the full benefits of diabetes technology to be realised, equitable access to pump therapy needs to be a health policy priority.

Characteristics and neighborhood-level opportunity of assault-injured children in Milwaukee

BackgroundMultiple studies have explored demographic characteristics and social determinants of health in relation to the risk of pediatric assault-related injuries and reinjury. However, few have explored protective factors. The Child Opportunity Index (COI) uses neighborhood-level indicators to measure ‘opportunity’ based on factors such as education, social environment, and economic resources. We hypothesized that higher ‘opportunity’ would be associated with less risk of reinjury in assault-injured youth.MethodsThis was a single-institution, retrospective study at a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. Trauma registry and electronic medical record data were queried for children ≤ 18 years old with assault-related injuries from 1/1/2016 to 5/31/2021. Reinjured children, defined as any child who sustained more than one assault injury, were compared to non-reinjured children. Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a marker of socioeconomic status, and COI were determined through census block and tract data, respectively. A post-hoc analysis examined COI between all assault-injured children, unintentionally injured children, and a state-based normative cohort representative of non-injured children.ResultsThere were 55,862 traumatic injury encounters during the study period. Of those, 1224 (2.3%) assault injured children were identified, with 52 (4.2%) reinjured children and 1172 (95.8%) non-reinjured children. Reinjured children were significantly more likely to be older (median age 15.0 [IQR 13.8–17.0] vs. median age 14.0 [IQR 8.8–16.0], p < 0.001) and female (55.8% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.01) than non-reinjured children. COI was not associated with reinjury. There were also no significant differences in race, ethnicity, insurance status, ADI, or mechanism and severity of injury between cohorts. Post-hoc analysis revealed that assault-injured children were more likely to live in areas of lower COI than the other cohorts.ConclusionsCompared to children who sustained only one assault during the study period, children who experienced more than one assault were more likely to be older and female. Furthermore, living in an area with more or less opportunity did not influence the risk of reinjury. However, all assault-injured children were more likely to live in areas of lower COI compared to unintentionally injured and a state-based normative cohort. Identification of factors on a social or environmental level that leads to assaultive injury warrants further exploration.

Trust the lord with all your heart: the role of education the relationship between trust in God and well-being in later life

ABSTRACT Trust is a primary component of faith and may be helpful for initiating, maintaining, and even repairing a relationship with God. In this study, we take up the task of expanding the empirical basis of trust in God and its relationship to well-being. Using a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older adults from the United States, we examined whether trust in God is associated with well-being, and if this association may be conditioned by a key marker of socioeconomic status – education. Trust in God was associated with lower depressive symptoms and better self-rated health. Trust in God was more strongly associated with well-being for the less educated (high school education or less). We discuss the implications of our results for pastors and religious ministers noting the importance of trust in God as a religious construct, especially for less educated respondents.

Relationships between education and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

IntroductionIndividuals with lower levels of education are at a higher risk of developing various health conditions due to limited access to healthcare and unhealthy lifestyle choices. However, the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and educational level remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an independent relationship between NAFLD and educational level as a surrogate marker for socioeconomic status (SES). MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 8,727 participants from the Paracelsus 10,000 study. The association between NAFLD and educational level was assessed using multivariable logistic regression models and multivariable linear regression. The primary endpoints were NAFLD (FLI score > 60) and liver fibrosis (FIB-4 score > 1.29). Further subgroup analysis with liver stiffness measurement was done. ResultsIn the study, NAFLD prevalence was 23% among participants with high education, 33% among intermediate, and 40% among those with low education (p<0.01). Importantly, a significantly reduced risk of NAFLD was observed in individuals with higher education, as indicated by an adjusted relative risk of 0.52 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, higher education level was associated with significantly lower odds of NAFLD and fibrosis. Additionally, a subgroup analysis revealed that higher liver stiffness measurements were independently associated with lower levels of education. ConclusionThe study's findings indicate that a lower education level increases the risk of NAFLD independent of confounding factors. Therefore, these findings highlight the potential impact of educational attainment on NAFLD risk and emphasize the need for targeted interventions in vulnerable populations.

Socioeconomic status fails to account for worse outcomes in non-Hispanic black patients undergoing carotid revascularization

ObjectivePrevious studies have reported an association of Black race with worse carotid revascularization outcomes, but rarely include socioeconomic status as a confounding covariate. We aimed to assess the association of race and ethnicity with in-hospital and long-term outcomes following carotid revascularization before and after accounting for socioeconomic status. MethodsWe identified non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic white patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy, transfemoral carotid stenting, or transcarotid artery revascularization between 2003 and 2022 in the Vascular Quality Initiative. Primary outcomes were in-hospital stroke/death and long-term stroke/death. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of race with perioperative and long-term outcomes after adjusting for baseline characteristics using a sequential model approach without and with consideration of Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a validated composite marker of socioeconomic status. ResultsOf 201,395 patients, 5.1% (n = 10,195) were non-Hispanic Black, and 94.9% (n = 191,200) were non-Hispanic white. Mean follow-up time was 3.4±0.01 years. A disproportionately high percentage of Black patients were living in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods relative to their white counterparts (67.5% vs 54.2%; P < .001). After adjusting for demographic, comorbidity, and disease characteristics, Black race was associated with greater odds of in-hospital (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.40) and long-term stroke/death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.23). These associations did not substantially change after additionally adjusting for ADI; Black race was persistently associated with greater odds of in-hospital (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09-1.39) and long-term stroke/death (aHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.21). Patients living in the most deprived neighborhoods were at greater risk of long-term stroke/death compared with patients living in the least deprived neighborhoods (aHR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05-1.35). ConclusionsNon-Hispanic Black race is associated with worse in-hospital and long-term outcomes following carotid revascularization despite accounting for neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation. There appears to be unrecognized gaps in care that prevent Black patients from experiencing equitable outcomes following carotid artery revascularization.