(February 16, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

An increasing number of children in the United States are suffering from chronic health problems, including obesity and asthma, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Here is some information about chronic health conditions and children:

•       An estimated 10 to 30% of children are affected by chronic health conditions, defined as conditions that limit usual activity for at least a year

•       Children are affected differently by chronic health conditions, depending on their age

•       Effects on the family of a having a child with a chronic health condition include neglect of other siblings and major burdens on finances and time

Researchers from Mass General Hospital for Children in Boston explored the evolution of chronic health conditions among children by looking at three different groups of children over an 18 year period. All the children were 2 to 8 years old at the outset of the study and were followed up for 6 years. The first group was followed-up from 1988 to 1994, the second group from 1994 to 2000, and the third group from 2000 to 2006. Chronic conditions were grouped into four categories: obesity, asthma, other physical conditions, and behavior/learning problems.

The results highlight the changing nature of chronic conditions among children. Overall, only about 7% of children had chronic condition for the entire 6-year study period, while 9% started out with a chronic condition, but it resolved before the study was completed. Another 13% of children started out without any chronic condition but developed one during the study period. The prevalence of chronic conditions among children increased over time. Only 13% of children in the first study group had a chronic condition by the end of the study period, as compared with 25% in the second group and 27% in the third group. Those in group 3 as well as males, Hispanics, and blacks were most likely to have a chronic condition at some point during the study period.

Today’s research highlights not only the dynamic nature of chronic health conditions among children but also demonstrates how it is alarmingly on the rise. Such information can help direct future health policies aimed at children.