HEALTHCARE

Social, Cultural, And Economic Influences on the Health Care Needs of Children and Their Families

Abstract

The healthcare needs of children and their families are influenced by diverse social, cultural, and economic factors. These factors are often difficult to detect. Nevertheless, these factors have a profound impact on the quality of healthcare available to children as well as the financial burden of families. The healthcare expenditures of children with chronic conditions are higher than other children. In order to distinguish social, cultural, and economic influences, a multisystem perspective must be incorporated. The multisystem perspective must generate innovative strategies.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Discussion1

Social Influence2

Family-Centered Approach3

Economic Influences3

Out-of-the-Pocket Cost4

Cultural Influences4

Conclusion4

References6

Social, Cultural, And Economic Influences on the Health Care Needs of Children and Their Families

Introduction

According to the National Survey of Children with Special Healthcare Needs, there are estimated 13% children in the United States who are suffering from a chronic physical, mental or emotional condition. In order to estimate the number of children in the United States who are suffering from chronic conditions, it is imperative to comprehend how the population has been defined. When using less restrictive conditions, it has been found that the estimate is above 30%. It has also been found that almost half of these children are suffering from severe conditions which limit their social activities (Kim et al, 2011).

The healthcare needs of children and their families are influenced by diverse social, cultural, and economic factors. These factors are often difficult to detect. Nevertheless, these factors have a profound impact on the quality of healthcare available to children as well as the financial burden of families.

Discussion

There are several studies which have been conducted to determine the cost of healthcare for children with chronic conditions. It is widely agreed that children who have certain disabilities utilize more healthcare services that children who are normal. Due to this, the healthcare expenditures of children with chronic conditions are higher than other children. The study has further revealed the average annual expenditures for children with disabilities are three times those for other children. These findings have also revealed that only a small group of children with disabilities receive a disproportionate share of healthcare spending. These findings have important implications for healthcare policies.

It is imperative for public agencies to understand the nature of healthcare expenses of children. These findings can help these agencies devise appropriate benefits. Disability is a condition which restricts children to perform diverse age-appropriate social role activities. Some examples of these activities include school or play. There are different social, cultural, and economic influences on the health care needs of these children and their families.

Social Influence

It has been found through research that social factors can influence the health of individuals. Every individual belongs to a particular social structure. The social environment influences poverty and quality of healthcare (Brunner & Marmot, 2006).

It has been found that children who have lower socio-economic status usually have unmet health needs. In 2006, 17.4 percent of children in the United States were living below the federal poverty ...