Health Risks Higher for Kids Living in Poverty

March 22nd, 2017

Children living in poverty are at a higher risk for asthma and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a recent article in the journal Pediatrics. Amy Houtrow, MD, PhD, MPH (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine), analyzed data from the National Survey of Children’s Health for the years 2003, 2007, and 2011-12 and identified trends for each condition.

For all children, the frequency of asthma rose 18 percent; ADHD rose by 44 percent; and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rose nearly 400 percent. While ASD increased among children of all income levels, asthma and ADHD increased most among children living in poverty. Children with asthma and ADHD from impoverished households were also more likely to have additional chronic medical conditions. The team concluded that there is a need to further study the adverse effects of poverty on children to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.