Financial impacts and community resources utilization of children with feeding difficulties

Abstract

Background: To examine the extent to which financial impacts and community resources utilization are associated with pediatric feeding difficulties. We hypothesize that children with feeding difficulties will have more financial impacts and community resources utilization than children without feeding difficulties.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2017-2018 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) regarding 14,960 children 0-5 years. NSCH utilized random sampling of families across the United States to collect nationally representative data. Outcomes included out-of-pocket costs, caregivers leaving a job due to the child's health, food insufficiency, receival of food or cash assistance, and receival of special education and/or developmental services. We used a multivariable logistic regression controlling for sociodemographic factors to examine the associations of feeding difficulties with financial impacts and community resources utilization outcomes.

Results: Out of 14,690 respondents, children were a mean (SD) age of 2.53(0.03) years and 1.7% reported feeding difficulties. These children had higher odds of having out-of-pocket costs of ≥$1000 (OR: 3.01; 95% CI: 1.61, 5.62), having a caregiver that left a job due to their child's health (OR: 3.16; 95% CI: 2.01, 4.98), experiencing food insufficiency (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.71), and receiving special education and/or developmental services (OR 3.98; 95% CI: 2.46, 6.45) than children without feeding difficulties.

Conclusions: Children with feeding difficulties are more likely to have financial impacts and community resources utilization than children without feeding difficulties. This information can be used to tailor interventions to improve family-centered care and outcomes for children.

Keywords: Dysphagia; Pediatric feeding difficulties; Pediatric feeding disorders; Social determinants of health.