Child maltreatment and pediatric health outcomes: A longitudinal study of low-income children

Paul Lanier, Melissa Jonson-Reid, Mary Jo Stahlschmidt, Brett Drake, John Constantino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

105 Scopus citations

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine if maltreatment predicted increased risk of hospital-based treatment prior to age 18 years for asthma, cardio-respiratory, and non-sexually transmitted infectious disease in a sample of low-income children.MethodsThis study used administrative data from multiple systems to follow children for 12-18 years (N = 6,282). Cox regression was used to explore the risk of first hospital treatment by disease category. Negative binomial regression was used to explore the relationship between recurrent maltreatment and total hospital care episodes.ResultsControlling for individual, family, and community factors, children with maltreatment reports had a 74-100% higher risk of hospital treatment. Recurrent reports predicted a higher count of hospital care episodes.ConclusionsThe negative health impact of maltreatment prior to adulthood supports the need for early prevention and intervention to prevent initial and recurrent child abuse and improve capacity to meet healthcare needs of maltreated children.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)511-522
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of pediatric psychology
Volume35
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2010

Keywords

  • Child maltreatment
  • Pediatric health outcomes
  • Poverty
  • Stressors.

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