Racial Variation in Baseline Characteristics and Wait Times among Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: Not as Simple as Black and White
Recommended Citation
Shen MR, Bonham AJ, Finks JF, Ghaferi A, Carlin AM, Varban OA. Racial Variation in Baseline Characteristics and Wait Times among Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: Not as Simple as Black and White. Surg Endosc 2021; 35(1):S56.
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
10-27-2021
Publication Title
Surg Endosc
Abstract
Background: Although bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity and weight-related comorbid diseases, utilization rates are disproportionately low among non-white patients. We sought to understand if variation in baseline characteristics or access to care exists between white and non-white patients. Methods: Using a statewide bariatric-specific data registry, we evaluated all patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2020 and also completed a preoperative baseline questionnaire, which included a question about self-identification of race (n = 73,141). Patient characteristics, comorbidities and time from initial presentation to surgery were compared among racial groups. Results: A total of 18,741 (25.5%) patients self-identified as non-white, which included Black/African American (n = 11,904), Hispanic (n = 3,448), Asian (n = 121), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (n = 41), Middle Eastern (n = 164), Multiple (n = 2,047) and Other (n = 608). Non-white males were the least represented group, accounting for only 4% of all bariatric cases performed. Non-white patients were more likely to be younger (43.0 years vs 46.6 years, p < 0.0001), disabled (16% vs 11.4%, p < 0.0001) and have Medicaid (8.4% vs 3.8%, p < 0.0001) when compared to white patients, despite having higher rates of college education (78.0% vs 76.6, p < 0.0001). In addition, median time from initial evaluation to surgery was also longer among non-white patients (157 days vs 127 days, p < 0.0001), despite having higher rates of patients with a body mass index (BMI) above 50 kg/m2 (39.0% vs 33.2%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Non-white patients undergoing bariatric surgery represent an extremely diverse group of patients with more socioeconomic disadvantages and longer wait times when compared to white patients in spite of presenting with higher rates of severe obesity. Current guidelines and referral patterns for bariatric surgery may not be equitable and needs further examination when considering the management of obesity within a diverse population.
Volume
35
Issue
1
First Page
S56
