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Children With Special Health Care Needs: An Analysis of National Survey of Children's Health Database
Oroma A Chukuigwe1, Emmanuel O Ilori2, Ogochukwu Agazie3
1General Medicine, Sanitas Medical Center, Fulshear, USA.
Insights
This study analyzed 40,335 children, finding 14.6% have special healthcare needs. Prevalence varies by age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status, highlighting disparities in pediatric healthcare for CSHCN.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) comprise a diverse pediatric group requiring specialized healthcare services.
- Understanding their demographic patterns and health influences is crucial for effective care delivery.
- The National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) provides a robust dataset for this analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence and demographic characteristics of CSHCN using 2016-2020 NSCH data.
- To identify factors influencing the health and well-being of CSHCN.
- To inform targeted interventions and future research in pediatric healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study utilizing the 2016-2020 NSCH database.
- Inclusion of children aged 0-17 identified as CSHCN based on MCHB criteria.
- Analysis of health outcomes, healthcare utilization, parental-reported health, and socio-demographic factors with stratified random sampling for national representation.
Main Results:
- The study included 40,335 patients, with 14.6% identified as CSHCN.
- Prevalence varied significantly by age group (19.1% for 0-5 years vs. 5.7% for 12-17 years).
- Racial disparities were observed, with lower prevalence in non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander children (3%). Prevalence also varied by Federal Poverty Level and household structure.
Conclusions:
- The study offers critical insights into the prevalence and demographic distribution of CSHCN in the U.S.
- Findings underscore the need for tailored healthcare strategies addressing age, socioeconomic, and racial disparities.
- Further research and targeted interventions are essential to improve pediatric healthcare for CSHCN.
Abstract:
Background Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) represent a diverse pediatric population requiring healthcare services beyond typical childhood needs. This study analyzes data from the 2016-2020 National Survey of Children's Health Database to elucidate demographic patterns, prevalence rates, and nuanced factors influencing the health and well-being of CSHCN. Methods This retrospective observational study focuses on children aged 0-17 who are identified as CSHCN based on Maternal and Child Health Bureau criteria. A comprehensive analysis of the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) database examines key variables, including health outcomes, healthcare utilization, parental-reported health status, and socio-demographic factors. Stratified random sampling ensures national representation. Results The study encompassed 40,335 patients, revealing that 14.6% (CI: 14.0-15.3, n=6,445) of CSHCN received care in a well-functioning system. Across age groups, 19.1% (CI: 14.0-15.3, n=6,445) of CSHCN aged 0-5 received ongoing treatment, contrasting with 5.7% (CI: 5.2-6.2, n=1,599) in the 12-17 years group. Males exhibited a prevalence of 15% (CI: 14.1-15.9, n=3,674), and females had 14.2% (CI: 13.2-15.2, n=2,771). Racial disparities were noted; non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander children had a 3% (CI: 1.1-8.1, n=6) prevalence. Across Federal Poverty Level categories, prevalence ranged from 12.5% (CI: 11.5-13.6, n=1,753) to 17.7% (CI: 16.6-18.9, n=2,856). Notably, 18.5% (CI: 17.4-19.7, n=3,515) of children without adverse experiences were CSHCN. Among CSHCN in two-parent currently married households, 15.9% (CI: 15.0-16.8, n=4,330) received treatment, while those in unmarried households had a prevalence of 12.9% (CI: 10.5-15.7, n=335). CSHCN with parents born in the United States showed a prevalence of 15.4% (CI: 14.7-16.1, n=5,257). Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and demographic patterns of CSHCN. Limitations include potential recall bias and the retrospective study design. Despite these constraints, the findings lay a foundation for future research and targeted interventions, fostering a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of pediatric healthcare in the United States.
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