Multiplicative Impact of Adverse Social Determinants of Health on Outcomes in Lupus Nephritis: A Meta‐analysis and Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundSocial determinants of health (SDoH) likely contribute to outcome disparities in lupus nephritis (LN). Understanding the overall burden and contribution of each domain could guide future health‐equity focused interventions to improve outcomes and reduce disparities in LN. Objectives of this meta‐analysis were to: 1) determine the association of overall SDoH and specific SDoH domains on LN outcomes, and 2) develop a framework for the multidimensional impact of SDoH on LN outcomes.MethodsWe performed a comprehensive search of studies measuring associations between SDoH and LN outcomes. We examined pooled odds of poor LN outcomes including mortality, end‐stage kidney disease, or cardiovascular disease in patients with and without adverse SDoH. Additionally, we calculated the pooled odds ratios of outcomes by four SDoH domains: individual (e.g., insurance), healthcare (e.g., fragmented care), community (e.g., neighborhood socioeconomic status), and health behaviors (e.g., smoking).ResultsAmong 531 screened studies, 31 met inclusion and 13 studies with raw data were included in meta‐analysis. Pooled odds of poor outcomes, were 1.47‐fold higher in patients with any adverse SDoH. Patients with adverse SDoH in individual and healthcare domains had 1.64‐fold and 1.77‐fold higher odds of poor outcomes. We found a multiplicative impact of having ≥2 adverse SDoH on LN outcomes. Patients of Black Race with public insurance and fragmented care had 12‐fold higher odds of poor LN outcomes.ConclusionAdverse SDoH is associated with poor LN outcomes. Having ≥2 adverse SDoH, specifically in different SDoH domains, had a multiplicative impact leading to worse LN outcomes, widening disparities.image