Physical Health

Health outcomes for poor children are worse than those for children from middle and upper income families. They are more likely to have low birth weight, growth stunting and lead poisoning. Compared to higher-income children, low-income children are:

• 1.6 times as likely to die in infancy
• 1.8 times as likely to be born premature
• 1.9 times as likely to have a low birth weight
• 2.7 times as likely to have no regular source of health care
• 2.8 times as likely to have no prenatal care

Good pediatric care by itself is not enough to address those risks. Factors relating to housing, homelessness, income assistance, education, nutritional supports, immigration, domestic violence, child care, health insurance, and disability issues—contribute to negative health outcomes for poor children.

Common physical health problems among DC’s children
Asthma and Other Respiratory Conditions
Many children suffer from asthma and other respiratory conditions and cannot obtain effective treatment because environmental conditions cause or exacerbate their health condition. Approximately 40% of childhood asthma is attributable to conditions in the home. Children with respiratory illnesses suffer extraordinary health risks when they are forced to live in sub-standard homes infested with rodents or containing mold or other allergens.

Chronic Diseases
Serious chronic diseases affect many Washington children, including sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes. Families often need assistance obtaining quality medical care for such diseases, and in asserting children’s rights to an appropriate education despite such diseases. Children in fragile medical states may also need assistance in improving housing conditions – such as a broken heater.

Orthopedic Impairments
Children often need specific medical devises to treat orthopedic impairments effectively. These children need their homes and schools to be physically accessible, no matter what their level of mobility.

Helpful Resources:

DC Department of Health

DC Department of Health Care Finance (oversees Medicaid)

American Academy of Pediatrics

The Effects of Poverty on Children, The Future of Children, Summer/Fall 1997

Defining Poverty and Why It Matters for Children, Children’s Defense Fund. August 2005

Lanphear BP, Kahn RS, Berger O, et al. “Contribution of Residential Exposures to Asthma in U.S. Children and Adolescents”