Ethnicity and patient's perception of risk in joint replacement surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Despite much evidence showing racial disparities in the use of surgical procedures, it is unknown whether ethnicity affects perception of surgical risk.


METHODS
We surveyed 1609 patients undergoing primary hip or knee replacement surgery. Relevant covariates including demographic data, body mass index (BMI), sex, comorbidities, education, and ethnicity were recorded. Pain and joint functional status were assessed at baseline and at 1-year followup with the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function scores. Risk perception was assessed with 3 survey questions.


RESULTS
Non-European patients had greater functional disability and pain prior to surgery and demonstrated significantly greater perception of risk than European patients (p < 0.001). Independent of other covariates, non-European ethnicity was an independent predictor of a greater perception of risk (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Patient ethnicity is an important factor to consider in understanding a patient's perception of risk in joint replacement surgery.
Gandhi
Rajiv
R
Division of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. rajiv.gandhi@uhn.on.ca
Razak
Fahad
F
Davey
J Roderick
JR
Mahomed
Nizar N
NN
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000523:psychology*; D044466:Asian People; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D044383:Black People; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D010146:Pain / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D012307:Risk Factors; D044465:White People