Exploring the role of age,race,and social vulnerability in outcomes following autografting for burn injuries

Abstract

Background

Understanding the factors influencing healthcare outcomes is crucial for optimizing patient care, particularly in burn patients. This study investigates the relationships between demographic factors, social vulnerability, and clinical outcomes, specifically focusing on hospital length of stay and operating room visits.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 138 burn patients at an American Burn Association verified burn center, assessing demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and social vulnerability using the social vulnerability index (SVI). Multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze the impact of these predictors on hospital length of stay and operating room visits. Interaction effects between demographic variables and SVI were also explored.

Results

Significant findings included a positive association between age and both hospital length of stay and operating room visits. Specifically, each additional year of age was linked to increased hospital stays (p = 0.03) and operating room visits (p = 0.02). Notably, Asian race was associated with significantly longer hospital stays (p = 0.02) and increased operating room visits (p < 0.001). Additionally, patients with frostbite etiology experienced longer hospital stays (p = 0.004) and more operating room visits (p = 0.03). The analysis revealed that social vulnerability, as indicated by the SVI, did not have a significant direct effect on these outcomes but suggested potential interaction effects warranting further investigation.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of demographic factors, particularly age and race, in influencing clinical outcomes for burn patients.