The Association between Bariatric Surgery Outcomes and Socioeconomic Deprivation

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
• Socioeconomic Factors in Healthcare
• Obesity Treatment Efficacy

Background:

• Obesity is a global health issue influenced by socioeconomic factors.
• Bariatric surgery offers an effective treatment for obesity when less invasive methods fail.
• The relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and surgical outcomes is an emerging research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of socioeconomic deprivation on bariatric surgery outcomes.
• To determine if socioeconomic status influences weight loss, complications, or comorbidity resolution after surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection from a Scottish bariatric center (2008-2022).
• Inclusion of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) or Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG).
• Measurement of socioeconomic deprivation using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) and analysis of % total weight loss, complications, and comorbidity status.

Main Results:

• Analysis of 316 patients with a median follow-up of 7 years.
• No significant differences observed in % total weight loss, short-term or long-term complications, or comorbidity resolution between different socioeconomic deprivation levels.
• Statistical analysis confirmed no impact of socioeconomic quintiles on key surgical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Socioeconomic deprivation does not negatively affect bariatric surgery outcomes.
• Access to bariatric surgery should not be limited by socioeconomic status.
• Further research can explore specific interventions to support diverse patient populations.