Uninsured status is associated with worse outcomes in a cohort of pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (pTBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of insurance status on pTBI outcomes using a single-center registry.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of pTBI patients at a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center from January 2012 to July 2023. Patients were stratified by insurance status (private, public, uninsured) and transfer status.

RESULTS

Of 359 patients, 49 % had private insurance, 46 % public, and 5 % were uninsured. Uninsured patients had higher injury severity score (ISS), longer length of stay (LOS), and higher mortality (27.8 % vs. 2.3 % private, 0.6 % public) (p < 0.01). After adjusting for injury severity, uninsured status was a significant predictor of mortality (OR, 19.315) and prolonged LOS (OR, 5.552).

CONCLUSIONS

Uninsured pTBI patients experience worse outcomes, including longer hospital stays and increased mortality. Addressing healthcare disparities through targeted interventions and policy changes is essential to improve outcomes for uninsured pTBI patients.