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Open Access 01-05-2010

Family Income Gradients in the Health and Health Care Access of US Children

Authors: Kandyce Larson, Neal Halfon

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

This study sought to examine the shape and magnitude of family income gradients in US children’s health, access to care, and use of services. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health, a telephone survey of 102,353 parents of children aged 0–17 years. Associations between family income [Below 100% Federal Poverty Level (FPL), 100–199% FPL, 200–299% FPL, 300–399% FPL, 400% FPL or Greater] and a set of 32 health and health care indicators were examined using linear polynomial testing and multivariate logistic regression. The percentage of children in better health increased with family income for 15 health outcomes. In multivariate logistic regression models that controlled for health insurance coverage and socio-demographic confounders, odds ratios >2 comparing the lowest to the highest income groups were noted for health conditions across both physical and developmental domains (diabetes, headaches, ear infections, learning disabilities, behavior/conduct problems, speech problems). Parent-reported global child health status, activity limitation, and oral health status showed steeper gradients than specific chronic and acute conditions. Ten measures of health care access and utilization were associated with family income in multivariate logistic regression models. Income gradients are pervasive across many health indicators at an early age. Social and health policy interventions are needed to address the multitude of factors that can affect children’s health and initiate disparities in development.

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Title: Family Income Gradients in the Health and Health Care Access of US Children
Authors: Kandyce Larson
Neal Halfon
Publication date: 01-05-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-009-0477-y

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Family Income Gradients in the Health and Health Care Access of US Children

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