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Acute appendicitis in latino children: do health disparities exist?

Laura Boomer1, Jennifer Freeman, Earl Landrito

  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102, USA.

The Journal of Surgical Research
|August 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study found no significant differences in acute appendicitis presentation or outcomes based on ethnicity or insurance status in children. The research focused on Latino children, revealing equitable care within the studied institution.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Health Disparities Research
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Racial and socioeconomic disparities impact pediatric acute appendicitis diagnosis and treatment.
  • Limited research exists on outcomes for Latino children with appendicitis.
  • This study addresses ethnic and insurance-related disparities in pediatric appendicitis care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if ethnicity or insurance status are associated with differences in the presentation and outcomes of pediatric acute appendicitis.
  • To investigate potential disparities in appendicitis care for Latino children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 410 children (ages 2-18) with acute appendicitis.
  • Data collected from July 2005 to December 2008 at a regional teaching hospital.
  • Statistical analyses (chi-squared, regression) used to assess ethnicity and insurance impact on perforation and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 63.2% of appendicitis cases were in Latino children; a higher proportion were on public insurance (34.8% vs. 19.9%).
  • Overall perforation rate was 29.6%, with no significant differences by ethnicity or insurance status.
  • No significant disparities observed in diagnostic studies, surgical procedures, length of stay, or complications between ethnic groups.

Conclusions:

  • Contrary to some reports, this institution observed no differences in appendicitis presentation or care based on ethnicity or insurance status in children.
  • Findings suggest equitable management of pediatric acute appendicitis regardless of ethnic background or insurance coverage at this center.
Abstract

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