The Effects of Poverty on Child Health and Development

Abstract

Poverty has been shown to negatively influence child health and development along a number of dimensions. For example, poverty-net of a variety of potentially confounding factors-is associated with increased neonatal and postneonatal mortality rates, greater risk of injuries resulting from accidents or physical abuse/neglect, higher risk for asthma, and lower developmental scores in a range of tests at multiple ages.Despite the extensive literature available that addresses the relationship between poverty and child health and development, as yet there is no consensus on how poverty should be operationalized to reflect its dynamic nature. Perhaps more important is the lack of agreement on the set of controls that should be included in the modeling of this relationship in order to determine the "true" or net effect of poverty, independent of its cofactors. In this paper, we suggest a general model that should be adhered to when investigating the effects of poverty on children. We propose a standard set of controls and various measures of poverty that should be incorporated in any study, when possible. 463

Children in nonparental care: health and social risks

“…Consistently across studies, results indicate that growing up in impoverished environments is detrimental (19,20). This includes premature mortality (20), worse cardiovascular health (21), declines in mental health (22), increased mobility impairments (23), and poor immune system function (24). The pathways linking poverty to adult health have been described and involve biological (e.g., physiological impact of poverty) and behavioral (e.g., engaging in negative health behaviors such as smoking) factors (19,20,(24)(25)(26)(27)(28).…”

“…The implications of poverty reach beyond financial resources to include access to services and benefits, social capital, and educational opportunities (19). Consistently across studies, results indicate that growing up in impoverished environments is detrimental (19,20). This includes premature mortality (20), worse cardiovascular health (21), declines in mental health (22), increased mobility impairments (23), and poor immune system function (24).…”

“…This includes premature mortality (20), worse cardiovascular health (21), declines in mental health (22), increased mobility impairments (23), and poor immune system function (24). The pathways linking poverty to adult health have been described and involve biological (e.g., physiological impact of poverty) and behavioral (e.g., engaging in negative health behaviors such as smoking) factors (19,20,(24)(25)(26)(27)(28). While more research on the appropriate interventions to address these mechanisms is needed (29), research to date does indicate that providing services to address poverty in childhood does contribute to improved outcomes (19).…”

Association of increased emergency rooms costs for patients without access to necessary medications

“…Previous published studies have shown worse health outcomes for the povertystricken. [32][33][34] Mojtabai and Olfson in an analysis of adherence and income in patients observed a 13% increase in non adherence for the low income. They measured adjusted odds ratios of 1.49 and 1.75 for the outcome of 'hospitalization in the past 2 years' and the outcome of 'health got worse' respectively for patients with poor adherence due to costs.…”

A Closer Look At Child Mortality Among Adivasis In India

“…Among the more obvious factors is the household's socioeconomic status which influences its ability to provide better health care for its children and other amenities which affect health (e.g. food with adequate nutrients, proper clothing, clean tap water, clean sanitary conditions) (Aber et al 1997, Defo 1997, Barrett and Browne 1996.…”