Family and Child Characteristics Associated With Caregiver Challenges for Medically Complex Children

Abstract

Children with medical complexity, comprising 3% of US children, face elevated risk of adverse medical, developmental, psychosocial, and family outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between family and child characteristics and caregiver challenges via a retrospective cohort study using data from 2009/2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Results revealed that most children with medical complexity have 2 or more conditions; region of residence, insurance, and health conditions significantly predict caregiver challenges; and race, ethnicity, and coinsurance status are associated with medical challenges. Results highlight important evidence on connections between family/child characteristics and caregiver challenges among children with medical complexity.