Likelihood of receipt of surgery by SEP group (universal health care systems).

Some studies reported SEP quintiles but others reported SEP in 2, 3, or 4 categories or as a continuous variable. Details of the number of SEP groups per study are given in Tables 1–4 in the column entitled “No. of SEP groups.” Quality scores range from 1 (lowest quality) to 6 (highest quality). Meta-analysis: Y, included in final meta-analysis; Y(S), included in sensitivity meta-analysis; N, not included in meta-analysis. Q1, high socioeconomic position, Q5, low socioeconomic position.CI, confidence interval; NR, not reported; OR, odds ratio; pop, population; SEP, socioeconomic position; UHCS, universal health care system.