Key result
Low socioeconomic position linked to ~10% greater 30-day infection risk after hip fracture surgery.
Why the study?
To examine the association between socioeconomic position and risk of infection after hip fracture surgery, and evaluate whether markers of poor health modify this relationship.
Does low socioeconomic position increase the risk of infection after hip fracture surgery?
Cohort (n=54,853)
Yes
Does low socioeconomic position increase the risk of infection after hip fracture surgery?
Hazard Ratio: 1.1 (95% CI 1.02–1.18)
Absolute Event Rate: 17% vs 16%
Lower socioeconomic position is associated with an increased 30-day risk of infection following hip fracture surgery, which is only partially explained by baseline health status.
Lower SEP was associated with higher post-hip fracture infection risk; leaves open whether targeting SEP markers improves outcomes.
Purpose: We examined the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and risk of any infection after surgery for hip fracture, and whether markers of poor health modify this. Methods: Individual-level data on SEP markers (education, liquid assets, marital status, and cohabitation) were obtained from Danish registries for hip fracture patients undergoing surgery (2010-2018). We computed cumulative incidences of any hospital-treated infection within one month after surgery. Using Cox regression we estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals. Analyses were stratified by comorbidity clusters based on latent class analysis, body mass index (BMI), pre-fracture mobility, and residence type. Results: The incidences of infection were: 17% for low vs 16% for high education (aHR 1.10, 1.02-1.18), 19% for low vs 16% for high liquid assets (aHR 1.21, 1.15-1.28), 18% for divorced vs 16% for married (aHR 1.24, 1.15-1.32), and 18% for living alone vs 15% for cohabiting (aHR 1.16, 1.06-1.28). The incidence of infection was highest among patients with diabetic-renal comorbidity, underweight, poor mobility, or nursing home residency. The magnitude and direction of associations were modified by comorbidity clusters, BMI, mobility, and residence type. Conclusion: We observed socioeconomic inequalities in 30-day risk of infection after hip fracture surgery. Health modified the observed inequalities but could not fully explain them.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Gadgaard et al. (2025) conducted a cohort in Hip fracture (n=54,853). Low socioeconomic position (e.g., low education) vs. High socioeconomic position (e.g., high education) was evaluated on Any hospital-treated infection within 30 days following hip fracture surgery (aHR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.18). Low socioeconomic position markers, including low education (aHR 1.10) and low liquid assets (aHR 1.21), were associated with an increased 30-day risk of infection after hip fracture surgery.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: