347 The impact of socioeconomic inequities and small-area deprivation on pediatric inpatient care in Lisbon suburban area

Abstract OP 2: Determinants of Health Disease and Interventions 4, B210 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 14:30 - 15:30 Aims Socioeconomic inequities are associated with longer length of stay (LOS) and clinical severity in children. This study analyzes the contribution of socioeconomic factors to health inequities and small-area level deprivation, focusing on hospitalization indicators, in a suburban Portuguese pediatric population. Methods Local hospital’s pediatric admissions between 2014 and 2021 were analyzed for LOS and admission to intensive care unit (ICU), as well as socioeconomic factors, through bivariate and multivariate analysis. Area-level inequities were measured for the population ranked by civil parishes’ European Deprivation Index. Results The study included 8 016 admissions. Health inequities associated with socioeconomic deprivation were evident, with concentration curves above the diagonal for LOS (concentration index -0.137) and admission to ICU (concentration index -0.147). Neonatal age had the strongest effect on LOS (B = 7.97 days, 95% CI 6.90; 9.04) and admission to ICU (OR = 11.86, 95% CI 7.64; 18.41), followed by Asian ethnicity (B = 5.14 days, 95% CI 1.15; 9.13). Black ethnicity; language other than Portuguese, Creole/Fulah or Asian; mother’s lower education level and unskilled jobs significantly increased LOS. Odds of admission to ICU were significantly higher for male gender, Asian language and father’s occupation in security, personal care and manual work. Conclusions Socioeconomic inequities were evident for both inpatient pediatric hospital care indicators, with a strong impact of ethnic factors. Public policies should be culturally competent and implemented early in life.