The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62072

Michael D Kogan, PhD¹, Paul Newacheck, DrPH², Merle G. McPherson³, and Peter van Dyck, MD¹. (1) MCHB/HRSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, 18-41, Rockville, MD 20857, 301 443-3145, mkogan@hrsa.gov, (2) Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California St., Suite 265, San Francisco, CA 94118, (3) Division of Services for Children with Special Health Needs, Health Resources and Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 18A27, Rockville, MD 20857

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) are an important population from health services, economic, and policy perspectives. They are at heightened risk for mental and behavioral health problems. Economically, CSHCN account for >80% of all child-related health care costs. However, there have not been recent national estimates of the percent of CSHCN nor have their health care experiences been measured extensively. Using data from the first national survey of CSHCN in 2000-2001, this paper: 1) provides national estimates on the number of CSHCN; 2) examines the risk factors for having a CSHCN; and 3) assesses how well their needs are being met. Among US children, it is estimated that 12.8% or over 9.4 million children have a SHCN. Boys, children 6 years+, whites and African-Americans compared to Hispanics, and families in poverty were significantly more likely to report having a CSHCN. Among CSHCN, there were wide variations in access to care. Overall, 18% of families with CSHCN report having an unmet health need. However, children in poverty and those who were most severely affected by their condition were significantly more likely to report an unmet need. 33% of this population reported lacking one aspect of family-centered care. Hispanics and African-Americans, those in poverty, and families of CSHCN most severely affected were at highest risk for some dissatisfaction with care. 30% of families reported that they either cut back or stopped working because of their child's condition. These data suggest that there are significant gaps in the care of CSHCN.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this presentation, the participant will be able to:
• Define a child with special health care needs.
• Know how many children in the US are defined this way.
• Articulate the risk factors for having a child with special health care needs.
• Assess the different ways to measure health care use in this population.
• Understand which groups are most likely to report gaps in their care.

Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Epidemiology

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.