The role of traditional social determinants of health in referral patterns, timing of surgery, and Chiari Health Index for Pediatrics-determined quality of life in children with symptomatic Chiari type I malformation.

Objective: Understanding the impact of the social determinants of health on the utilization of healthcare resources is an important step in eliminating inequalities. The goal of this study was to determine the role of social determinants of health in referral patterns, timing of consultation/intervention, and quality of life in children with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I).

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of children aged 0 to 18 years who underwent surgical treatment for CM-I at a single pediatric facility from 2015 to 2019.