Poverty And Its Impact On Children's Health

Poverty And Its Impact On Children's Health

Poverty is a major human crisis affecting millions globally, defined economically as a state where individuals cannot meet basic needs such as shelter, food, and clothing. Its devastating effects extend to children, impairing their life opportunities and societal well-being. Child poverty, specifically, refers to situations where children live in families whose incomes are below the national poverty line, rendering them unable to access essential needs. This issue is compounded by the fact that children do not choose their family circumstances, making poverty a profound social and ethical concern rooted in social justice (Strelitz & Lister, 2008).

The prevalence of child poverty has been rising, with statistics in the United States indicating an increase from 14% in 1973 to 21% in 1995, and a significant portion of these children experiencing chronic poverty. Low-income families, often led by single parents and characterized by inadequate education and employment opportunities, primarily contribute to this persistent issue. The link between child poverty and health is stark—children from impoverished backgrounds are more susceptible to diseases, malnutrition, and mortality, which results in severe public health concerns (Gupta et al., 2007).

Impacts of Child Poverty on Health

Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes

Research from Canada underscores that children born to impoverished mothers face poorer prenatal outcomes compared to those from wealthier families. Poor mothers are more likely to experience low birth weights and complications such as premature births. Factors contributing include inadequate nutrition, high physical strain, and lack of access to quality prenatal care, often due to financial constraints and reliance on midwives rather than institutional healthcare facilities (Strully et al., 2010). Low birth weight significantly increases risks of hospitalization, developmental delays, and chronic health issues, with repercussions extending into adulthood.

Child Mortality and Morbidity

Child mortality rates are disproportionately higher among poor populations, with malnutrition, limited access to healthcare, and unsanitary living environments playing critical roles. The global infant mortality rate is approximately 49.4 per 1,000 live births, with about 70% of these deaths occurring in impoverished families (Tamm, 2007). These children are often unable to receive necessary medical attention, increasing their vulnerability to infectious diseases like malaria, cholera, and bilharzia. Perinatal mortality, closely linked to maternal health, also significantly impacts overall child survival rates, further exacerbated by poverty-induced inadequate obstetric care.

Educational Deficits and Hygiene

Poverty hampers access to quality education, depriving children of fundamental health and hygiene knowledge. Lack of education results in poor hygiene practices, such as improper handwashing, which heightens disease susceptibility. It also often forces children into manual labor at an early age, adversely affecting their physical health and development. Girls in impoverished settings are particularly vulnerable, often marrying and giving birth early, which leads to health complications due to their bodies not being physically prepared for childbirth (Abernathy et al., 2002).

Living Environment and Confluence of Risks

Children living in substandard housing, especially in slums or congested settlements, face numerous health risks. These environments are often polluted, with inadequate sanitation and unsafe drinking water, leading to waterborne diseases like cholera. Overcrowding facilitates the spread of communicable diseases such as respiratory infections and malaria. Poor environmental conditions also attract pests that carry diseases, amplifying health risks for children in these settings (Gupta et al., 2007).

Mental and Social Health

The social disadvantages associated with poverty adversely influence children's mental health and cognitive development. Children from low-income families frequently exhibit lower physical growth, educational achievement, and intelligence levels. These disparities foster emotional disorders like anxiety and depression stemming from stressful living conditions and social marginalization. Their social interactions are often limited or negative, creating long-lasting effects on their psychological well-being and future prospects (Abernathy et al., 2002). The persistent stress and hardship experienced during childhood can impair brain development and academic performance, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Conclusion

Poverty remains a pervasive issue worldwide, profoundly impacting children's health across multiple dimensions. From adverse birth outcomes to increased mortality rates, from poor living conditions to mental health challenges, the cycle of poverty inflicts lifelong harm on vulnerable children. These disparities highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions by governments and organizations to address child poverty and its health implications. Strategies such as improving access to quality healthcare, enhancing education, improving living environments, and targeted social support are essential to breaking this cycle and fostering better health outcomes for children globally (Tamm, 2007).

References

• Abernathy, T., Webster, G., & Vermeulen, M. (2002). The relationship between poverty and health among adolescents. ProQuest Social Science Journals.
• Gupta, R. P., de Wit, M. L., & McKeown, D. (2007). The impact of poverty on the current and future health status of children. NCBI.
• Strelitz, J., & Lister, R. (2008). Why money matters: family income, poverty and children's lives. London: Save the Children.
• Strully, K., Rehkopf, D., & Xuan, Z. (2010). Effect of the prenatal health of infant health, earned income tax credits and birth weight. American Sociological Review Journals.
• Tamm, M. (2007). The poverty of children in Germany and its impact on children's health and educational outcomes. Bochum: Univ.-Bibliothek.
• World Health Organization. (2014). Child health and development. WHO.
• UNICEF. (2016). The State of the World's Children: A fair chance for every child. UNICEF.
• Bhutta, Z. A., et al. (2013). Evidence-based interventions for improving maternal and child health. The Lancet, 382(9910), 452-477.
• Funk, M. (2015). Environmental health in slum settlements: A review. Environmental Research, 137, 251-258.
• McEwan, B. S. (2004). Childhood origins of adult disease. Psychological Science, 15(6), 341-346.