AI Article Synopsis
- The study examines the impact of rurality and ethnicity on patients with acute diverticulitis in Northland, New Zealand, aiming to assess healthcare access and disparities.
- A retrospective analysis of 397 patients showed that neither living in rural areas nor being of Maori ethnicity affected the complexity or outcomes of the condition, despite younger presentation age for Maori patients.
- The findings indicate that both rural residents and Maori patients do not experience higher complexity in diverticulitis, suggesting healthcare access may not be a significant barrier in this context.
Article Abstract
Background: Acute diverticulitis is a common general surgical condition associated with significant costs and healthcare burden. It is unknown if rurality represents a barrier to healthcare and whether ethnic disparities exist in Northland, New Zealand. This study, therefore, aims to assess the impact of rurality and ethnicity on complexity, management, and outcomes in patients with acute diverticulitis.
Methods: A retrospective observational study of all adults aged >18 years admitted with acute diverticulitis to any Northland District Health Board hospital between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 was performed. Diverticulitis complexity was assessed using the modified Hinchey classification. The primary outcome was the effect of rurality and ethnicity on complexity of diverticulitis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed.
Results: A total of 397 patients (mean age 60.3 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.8); 48.7% female) were included. Overall, 134 patients had complicated diverticulitis. Rurality nor distance from the hospital were not associated with complexity of diverticulitis or clinical outcomes (p > 0.05). Maori patients presented younger than non-Maori (mean 51 vs. 63 years, p < 0.001) but there was no difference in complications, management, or clinical outcomes (p > 0.05). On multivariable analysis, rurality status and Maori ethnicity were not associated with more complicated diverticulitis.
Conclusion: This study found that rurality and ethnicity were not significant predictors of the complexity of diverticulitis.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ans.17211 | DOI Listing |
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