Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
Children with Special Health Care Needs, Supplemental Security Income, and Food Insecurity
Ruth Rose-Jacobs1, Jennifer Goodhart Fiore, Stephanie Ettinger de Cuba
1*Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA; †Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; ‡Data Coordinating Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA; §Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD; ‖Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; ¶Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA; #Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA; **Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR.
Insights
Low-income households with young children with special health care needs (SHCN) face higher food insecurity risks. Child Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receipt was linked to increased household food insecurity in these families.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Food insecurity is a significant issue in low-income households, particularly those with young children.
- Children with special health care needs (SHCN) may face additional challenges impacting household resources.
- Understanding the interplay between SHCN, public assistance, and food security is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess food insecurity among low-income households with young children, comparing those with and without special health care needs (SHCN).
- To evaluate the relationship between child Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receipt and food insecurity in households with children with SHCN.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 6724 caregivers of children under 48 months was conducted across 5 medical centers.
- Data collected included sociodemographics, SHCN screening, food security status, public assistance participation, and child SSI receipt.
- Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between SHCN, SSI, and food insecurity.
Main Results:
- Households with children with SHCN were more likely to experience both household and child food insecurity compared to those without SHCN.
- Among households with children with SHCN, those receiving SSI showed a trend towards higher household food insecurity, though not statistically significant for child food insecurity.
- Food insecurity risk persisted regardless of other public assistance program participation.
Conclusions:
- Low-income households with young children with SHCN are at elevated risk for food insecurity.
- Existing public assistance programs may need reevaluation of income and medical deduction criteria to better support these vulnerable families.
- Policy adjustments are recommended to mitigate food insecurity for children with SHCN and their families.
Objectives:
To assess food insecurity in low-income households with young children with/without special health care needs (SHCN) and evaluate relationships between child Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receipt and food insecurity.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey (2013-2015) of caregivers was conducted at 5 medical centers. Eligibility included index child age <48 months without private health insurance and a caregiver fluent in English or Spanish. Interviews included sociodemographics, 5-item Children with Special Health Care Needs Screener, 18-item US Food Security Survey Module, household public assistance program participation, and child SSI receipt. Household and child food insecurity, each, were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models.
Results:
Of 6724 index children, 81.5% screened negative for SHCN, 14.8% positive for SHCN (no SSI), and 3.7% had SHCN and received SSI. After covariate control, households, with versus without a child with SHCN, were more likely to experience household (Adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 1.24, 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.03-1.48) and child (AOR 1.35, 95% CI, 1.11-1.63) food insecurity. Among households with children with SHCN, those with children receiving, versus not receiving SSI, were more likely to report household (AOR 1.42, 95% CI, 0.97-2.09) but not child food insecurity.
Conclusion:
Low-income households with young children having SHCN are at risk for food insecurity, regardless of child SSI receipt and household participation in other public assistance programs. Policy recommendations include reevaluation of assistance programs' income and medical deduction criteria for households with children with SHCN to decrease the food insecurity risk faced by these children and their families.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
01:29Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
01:25Continuing Care