Patients with Low Social Vulnerability More Likely to Receive Hernia Repair in Texas

The study aimed to assess the association between social vulnerability and the likelihood of receiving elective and emergency hernia repair in Texas. The results showed that patients with low social vulnerability were 36% more likely to receive surgery, while those with high social vulnerability were 14% less likely. This association remained significant after adjusting for various factors. The study suggests that the social vulnerability index can indicate social determinants of health barriers to hernia repair.