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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Janie L. Canty-Mitchell, PhD, School of Nursing, Indiana University, 1111 Middle Drive, NU 461, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 317-278-1380, jcanty@iupui.edu, Joan Austin, DNS, RN, Nursing, Indiana University, 1111 Middle Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, Rong Amy Qi, MS, School of Medicine, Biostatistics Dept., Indiana University, 1111 Middle Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, and Nancy Swigonski, MD, MPH, Department of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana Unviersity School of Medicine, Riley Hospital, 702 Barnhill Road, Room 1740X, Indianapolis, IN 46201.
The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with health related quality of life (QOL) in children with special health care needs (CSHCN) enrolled in a Mid-western state Medicaid program. Primary caregivers (N=126) were recruited from six primary health clinics if their children (5-17 years) screened positive on the Living with Illness Questionnaire, was enrolled in Medicaid, and spoke English. Research associates administered the survey using a computer assisted telephone interview. Physical and psychosocial QOL were measured using the Child Health Questionnaire. Family and health system factors were measured using demographic data, the Consumer Health Assessment Plans Survey, and Harrell’s Urban Stress Scale. The most prevalent health conditions reported by caregivers of CSHCN (60% male, 71% African American, M=10 years) were asthma and attention disorder. There were no significant differences in child QOL by age, race, or gender. Family factors as marital, employment, or educational status were not associated with the child’s QOL. Families whose finances were adversely affected by having a CSHCN and those who needed additional income for the child’s medical expenses were more likely to have children with lower scores on physical QOL. Higher scores on family/urban stress were associated with lower scores on the child’s psychosocial QOL. Among health system factors, more frequent visits to health care providers were associated with higher scores on physical QOL. Family financial burden and stress combined with fewer health care visits in CSHCN may explain disparities in QOL in CSHCN enrolled in Medicaid programs.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, the participants will be able to
Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Quality of Life
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.