Social risk factors in pediatric gastroenterology

Little information exists about social risk among pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition (PGHN) patients. The goal of this study was to examine racial and ethnic differences in social risk among Medicaid-insured PGHN patients. Electronic health records from 1341 patients between May 2022 and February 2024 with responses to the Accountable Health Communities screening tool were included. The main outcome was presence of any social risk. To test the hypothesis that racial and ethnic differences in social risk exist, logistic regression adjusting for child age, sex, and preferred language was used. Overall, 29% of patients reported a social risk. Compared to non-Hispanic white patients, patients with Hispanic/Latino, Black, other, and missing race and ethnicity had higher odds of reporting social risks. To promote health equity, better understanding of effective, holistic strategies to integrate social care into PGHN care is warranted.