Spencer, Nick, Blackburn, Clare and Read, Janet (2015) Disabling chronic conditions in childhood and socioeconomic disadvantage : a systematic review and meta-analyses of observational studies. BMJ Open, 5 (9). e007062. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007062 ISSN 2044-6055.

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Abstract

Objective To determine the association of socioeconomic disadvantage with the prevalence of childhood disabling chronic conditions in high-income countries.

Study design Systematic review and meta-analyses.

Data sources 6 electronic databases, relevant websites, reference lists and experts in the field.

Study selection 160 observational studies conducted in high-income countries with data on socioeconomic status and disabling chronic conditions in childhood, published between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 2013.

Data extraction and synthesis Abstracts were reviewed, full papers obtained, and papers identified for inclusion by 2 independent reviewers. Inclusion decisions were checked by a third reviewer. Where reported, ORs were extracted for low versus high socioeconomic status. For studies reporting raw data but not ORs, ORs were calculated. Narrative analysis was undertaken for studies without data suitable for meta-analysis.

Results 126 studies had data suitable for meta-analysis. ORs for risk estimates were: all-cause disabling chronic conditions 1.72 (95% CI 1.48 to 2.01); psychological disorders 1.88 (95% CI 1.68 to 2.10); intellectual disability 2.41 (95% CI 2.03 to 2.86); activity-limiting asthma 2.20 (95% CI 1.87 to 2.85); cerebral palsy 1.42 (95% CI 1.26 to 1.61); congenital abnormalities 1.41 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.61); epilepsy 1.38 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.59); sensory impairment 1.70 (95% CI 1.39 to 2.07). Heterogeneity was high across most estimates (I2>75%). Of the 34 studies without data suitable for meta-analysis, 26 reported results consistent with increased risk associated with low socioeconomic status.

Conclusions The findings indicate that, in high-income countries, childhood disabling chronic conditions are associated with social disadvantage. Although evidence of an association is consistent across different countries, the review provides limited evidence to explain the association; future research, using longitudinal data, will be required to distinguish low socioeconomic status as the cause or consequence of childhood disabling chronic conditions and the aetiological pathways and mechanisms.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Chronically ill children, Social medicine, Asthma in children, Medical statistics
Journal or Publication Title:	BMJ Open
Publisher:	BMJ
ISSN:	2044-6055
Official Date:	3 September 2015
Dates:	Date Event 3 September 2015 Published 30 July 2015 Accepted 23 July 2015 Submitted
Volume:	5
Number:	9
Article Number:	e007062
DOI:	10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007062
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access (Creative Commons)
Date of first compliant deposit:	14 January 2016
Date of first compliant Open Access:	17 February 2016
Funder:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC)
Grant number:	RES-062-23-2883

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