Experiences and factors affecting poverty among families raising a child with a disability: a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose: Children with disabilities and their families are more likely to live in poverty than those without a disability. However, little is known about their lived experiences and the circumstances that influence their socio-economic condition. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences and factors affecting poverty among families raising children with disabilities.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted while searching eight international databases (Embase, Healthstar, Medline, PsycINFO, Econlit, Scopus, Web of Science, and Sociological Abstracts). About 2351 articles were independently screened, and 48 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results: The 48 studies included in the review involved 18 countries over a 26-year period. Our findings highlight the following key trends: (1) rates and extent of poverty, (2) types of poverty (i.e., material hardship, cost burdens, food insecurity), and (3) factors affecting poverty among children and youth with disabilities and their families (i.e., type and severity of disability, age, race/ethnicity, single-parent households, employment status, education, financial supports, type of health insurance, and community and societal factors).

Conclusions: There is an urgent need for anti-poverty policies, interventions and resources to help support families raising a child with a disability.

Keywords: Disability; children; poverty; social determinants of health; socio-economic status.