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Meta-Analysis
. 2008 Apr 16;2008(2):CD006358.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006358.pub2.

Financial benefits for child health and well-being in low income or socially disadvantaged families in developed world countries

P J Lucas  1 , K McIntosh, M Petticrew, H m Roberts, A Shiell
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Financial benefits for child health and well-being in low income or socially disadvantaged families in developed world countries

P J Lucas et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: A strong and consistent relationship has been observed between relative poverty and poor child health and wellbeing even among rich nations. This review set out to examine evidence that additional monies provided to poor or disadvantaged families may benefit children by reducing relative poverty and thereby improving children's health, well-being and educational attainment.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of direct provision of additional monies to socially or economically disadvantaged families in improving children's health, well-being and educational attainment

Search strategy: In total 10 electronic databases were searched including the Cochrane library searched 2006 (Issue 1), Medline searched 1966 to May 2006 , Econlit searched 1969 to June 2006 and PsycINFO searched 1872 to June 2006, together with 3 libraries of working papers (MDRC, SSRN, SRDC). The general search strategy was [terms for income and financial benefits] and [paediatric terms] and [RCT filter]

Selection criteria: Studies selected provided money to relatively poor families (which included a child under the age of 18 or a pregnant woman), were randomised or quasi-randomised, measured outcomes related to child health or wellbeing and were conducted in a high income country.

Data collection and analysis: Titles and abstracts identified in the search were independently assessed for eligibility by two reviewers. Data were extracted and entered into RevMan, synthesised and presented in both written and graphical form (forest plots).

Main results: Nine trials including more than 25,000 participants were included in this review. No effect was observed on child health, measures of child mental health or emotional state. Non-significant effects favouring the intervention group were seen for child cognitive development and educational achievement, and a non-significant effect favouring controls in rates of teenage pregnancy.

Authors' conclusions: The review set out to examine the potential of financial support to poor families to improve circumstances for children. However, on the basis of current evidence we can not state unequivocally whether financial benefits delivered as an intervention are effective at improving child health or wellbeing in the short term. Our conclusions are limited by the fact that most of the studies had small effects on total household income and that while no conditions were attached to how money was spent, all studies included strict conditions for receipt of payments. We note particular concerns by some authors that sanctions and conditions (such as working hours) placed on families may increase family stress.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

None known.

Figures

1
1
1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Health outcomes, Outcome 1 Children Not Covered by Health Insurance.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Health outcomes, Outcome 2 Parental rating of general health.
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 Health outcomes, Outcome 3 In poor health.
1.4
1.4. Analysis
Comparison 1 Health outcomes, Outcome 4 In Good Health.
1.5
1.5. Analysis
Comparison 1 Health outcomes, Outcome 5 Accidental injuries.
1.6
1.6. Analysis
Comparison 1 Health outcomes, Outcome 6 Routine visit to Health Clinic.
1.7
1.7. Analysis
Comparison 1 Health outcomes, Outcome 7 Routine visit to Dental Clinic.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Behavioural outcomes, Outcome 1 Problem Behaviour Scale.
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2 Behavioural outcomes, Outcome 2 Positive Behaviour Index.
2.3
2.3. Analysis
Comparison 2 Behavioural outcomes, Outcome 3 Positive Behaviour.
2.4
2.4. Analysis
Comparison 2 Behavioural outcomes, Outcome 4 Behavior Problems.
2.5
2.5. Analysis
Comparison 2 Behavioural outcomes, Outcome 5 Involvement with police.
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 Other measures or child emotional wellbeing and quality of life, Outcome 1 Child takes part in organised activities.
4.1
4.1. Analysis
Comparison 4 Educational outcomes, Outcome 1 Below average achievement.
4.2
4.2. Analysis
Comparison 4 Educational outcomes, Outcome 2 Ever repeated a grade.
4.3
4.3. Analysis
Comparison 4 Educational outcomes, Outcome 3 Ever in special education.
4.4
4.4. Analysis
Comparison 4 Educational outcomes, Outcome 4 Absences high (>3 days per month).
4.5
4.5. Analysis
Comparison 4 Educational outcomes, Outcome 5 ever suspended or expelled.
5.1
5.1. Analysis
Comparison 5 Pregnancy in <18 yr olds, Outcome 1 Ever Pregnant or had a baby.
6.1
6.1. Analysis
Comparison 6 Value of intervention, Outcome 1 Children Not Covered by Health Insurance.
6.2
6.2. Analysis
Comparison 6 Value of intervention, Outcome 2 Parent Reported Positive Behaviour.
6.3
6.3. Analysis
Comparison 6 Value of intervention, Outcome 3 Parent Reported Problem Behaviour.
6.4
6.4. Analysis
Comparison 6 Value of intervention, Outcome 4 Ever arrested (Vermont WRP ever in trouble with police).
6.5
6.5. Analysis
Comparison 6 Value of intervention, Outcome 5 Academic Achievement rated as poor or less.
6.6
6.6. Analysis
Comparison 6 Value of intervention, Outcome 6 Ever Repeated a Grade.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

  • doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006358

References

References to studies included in this review

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