DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2014.020103 Comparing Health Impairments in Special Health Care Needs Children with and without Diabetes

Abstract Health impairments in special health care needs (SHCN) children with diabetes were compared with those of SHCN children without diabetes. Data from the 2009/2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN) were analyzed. Demographic and health impairment variables were measured in terms of their association with ever being diagnosed with diabetes by a medical professional. Demographic variables included sex, ethnicity/race, and age group. Health impairment variables included difficulties with: swallowing/digesion/metabolism; coordination/movement; difficulties using hands or fingers; vision; hearing; breathing; and circulation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and adjusted odds ratios (OR) were used to determine associations. The variables of sex, age group, swallowing/digestive/metabolic impairments, vision difficulties, and circulation impairments were significantly associated with ever having been diagnosed with diabetes. Findings from the current study suggest that SHCN children with diabetes have specific health impairments beyond those of other SHCN children without diabetes