[Influence of postcode on paediatric admissions in Seville]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Public Health
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Health

Background:

• Postcodes serve as indicators of socioeconomic status (SES).
• SES is linked to health outcomes, healthcare utilization, and disparities.
• Geographic disparities in health outcomes are a significant public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of postcode-based SES on pediatric hospital admissions in Seville.
• To identify common causes of pediatric admissions and their association with SES.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional study analyzed 2,660 pediatric admissions (under 15) in Seville public hospitals.
• Admissions were categorized based on whether patients resided in designated "areas with social transformation needs" (lower SES).
• Statistical analyses included Chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Student's t-tests; crude and specific admission rates and rate ratios were calculated.

Main Results:

• Children from lower SES districts were admitted at an average age 7 months younger (P<.001) and were significantly more likely to be admitted via the emergency department (P<.001).
• No significant differences were found in hospital length of stay or mortality rates.
• Higher crude admission rates (ratio 1.8) and specific rates for asthma, respiratory infections, inguinal hernia, and epilepsy/convulsions were observed in lower SES districts.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric hospital admission rates for major diagnoses are elevated in lower SES districts.
• Children residing in disadvantaged areas are admitted at younger ages and more frequently through emergency services, highlighting significant health inequities.