Household food insufficiency, health status and emergency healthcare utilisation among children with and without special healthcare needs

Abstract

Objective: To compare exposure to household food insufficiency and the relationship between household food insufficiency and both health status and emergency healthcare utilisation among children with and without special healthcare needs (SHCN). Design: Analysing pooled data from the 2016–2017 iterations of the National Survey of Children’s Health, we conducted multivariate logistic regressions on household food insufficiency, health status and emergency healthcare utilisation. We assessed interactions between household food insufficiency and children’s SHCN status in our models of health status and utilisation. Setting: United States. Participants: Parents of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalised children (aged 0–17 years). Results: Children with SHCN were more likely to experience household food insufficiency (70 v. 56 %), non-excellent health status (67 v. 28 %) and emergency healthcare utilisation (32 v. 18 %) than other children. Household food insufficiency was associated with 37 % (children with SHCN) and 19 % (children without SHCN) reductions in the likelihood of having excellent health. Household food insufficiency was associated with a roughly equal (16–19 %) increase in the likelihood of emergency department utilisation across groups. Conclusions: Compared with other children, children with SHCN have an elevated risk of exposure to household food insufficiency and experiencing greater reductions in health status when exposed.

Psychosocial Considerations for the Child with Rare Disease: A Review with Recommendations and Calls to Action

“…There is a strong association between foregone family employment [ 42 ] and family-provided medical care [ 43 , 44 , 45 ]. CSHCN have elevated risk for food insecurity and malnutrition, which has a dramatic impact upon daily and long-term functioning [ 46 , 47 ]. Reduced access to household materials is associated with increased acute healthcare utilization and unmet healthcare needs among CSHCN [ 48 , 49 ].…”

Overweight and cystic fibrosis: An unexpected challenge

“…Before 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 10.5% of U.S. households faced food insecurity at least some of the time. 57 Food insecurity can be exacerbated by poor health or chronic medical conditions due to higher medical expenses and lost income due to health limitations. An estimated one-third of individuals with chronic disease may experience either chronic or episodic food insecurity, a number replicated in a report by an individual CF center.…”

“…Food insecurity, the limited or unreliable availability of safe and nutritious food, impacts nutritional and weight status for many Americans. Before 2020 and the COVID‐19 pandemic, an estimated 10.5% of U.S. households faced food insecurity at least some of the time 57 . Food insecurity can be exacerbated by poor health or chronic medical conditions due to higher medical expenses and lost income due to health limitations.…”