Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify geographic differences in health indicators for children with special health care
needs (CSHCN). It was hypothesized that geographic differences in unmet health care needs exist among CSHCN by region in the
United States. Data were obtained from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, 2005–2006. Nine variables
representing unmet needs were analyzed by geographic region. The region with the highest percent of unmet needs was identified
for each service. Logistic regression was utilized to determine differences by region after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity,
race, federal poverty level, relationship of responder to child, insurance status, severity of condition, and size of household.
A total of 40,723 CSHCN were represented. Crude analysis demonstrated that the greatest unmet need for routine preventive
care, specialist care, prescription medications, physical/occupational/speech therapy, mental health care, and genetic counseling
occurred in the West. The greatest unmet need for preventive dental care, respite care, and vision care occurred in the South.
Significant differences between regions remained for six of the nine services after controlling for potential confounders.
Geographic differences in unmet health care needs exist for CSHCN. Further delving into these differences provides valuable
information for program and policy planning and development. Meeting the needs of CSHCN is important to reduce cost burden
and improve quality of life for the affected child and care providers.
needs (CSHCN). It was hypothesized that geographic differences in unmet health care needs exist among CSHCN by region in the
United States. Data were obtained from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, 2005–2006. Nine variables
representing unmet needs were analyzed by geographic region. The region with the highest percent of unmet needs was identified
for each service. Logistic regression was utilized to determine differences by region after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity,
race, federal poverty level, relationship of responder to child, insurance status, severity of condition, and size of household.
A total of 40,723 CSHCN were represented. Crude analysis demonstrated that the greatest unmet need for routine preventive
care, specialist care, prescription medications, physical/occupational/speech therapy, mental health care, and genetic counseling
occurred in the West. The greatest unmet need for preventive dental care, respite care, and vision care occurred in the South.
Significant differences between regions remained for six of the nine services after controlling for potential confounders.
Geographic differences in unmet health care needs exist for CSHCN. Further delving into these differences provides valuable
information for program and policy planning and development. Meeting the needs of CSHCN is important to reduce cost burden
and improve quality of life for the affected child and care providers.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10995-012-1029-4
- Authors
- Kimberly G. Fulda, Primary Care Research Center/Texas Prevention Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Katandria L. Johnson, Primary Care Research Center/Texas Prevention Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Kristen Hahn, Primary Care Research Center/Texas Prevention Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Kristine Lykens, Department of Health Management and Policy, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Journal Maternal and Child Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-6628
- Print ISSN 1092-7875