Financial and employment problems in families of children with special health care needs: implications for research and practice.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to identify factors related to financial burden among families of children with special needs and to identify specific provider-level activities associated with decreased risk for such burden.


METHODS
Data for secondary analysis are from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN). Logistic regression analysis of state-level data was conducted to identify significant predictors of financial and employment problems among families of children with SHCN in Minnesota.


RESULTS
Children with more severe conditions and whose family members provided health care at home were more likely to have parents report financial and employment problems due to the child's condition. On the other hand, families whose health care providers communicated well with other service providers and who helped them feel like partners in their child's care were significantly less likely to report financial and employment problems.


CONCLUSIONS
Pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners can use these findings as they work with families for optimal family outcomes. Advocacy and policy implications at state and federal levels also are discussed.
Looman
Wendy S
WS
School of Nursing, Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. looma003@umn.edu
O'Conner-Von
Susan K
SK
Ferski
Gabriela J
GJ
Hildenbrand
Debra A
DA
D002648:Child; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005382:Financing, Personal; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors