Children with Special Health Care Needs and Obesity Policy
Author Information
Author(s): Paula M. Minihan, Aviva Must, Betsy Anderson, Barbara Popper, Beth Dworetzky
Primary Institution: Tufts University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
How can obesity policies be tailored to better support children with special health care needs?
Conclusion
Children with special health care needs require specific policy considerations to effectively address obesity risks.
Supporting Evidence
- Children with SHCN are at an increased risk for obesity compared to typically developing children.
- Policies must support both family and community-based initiatives to effectively address obesity in children with SHCN.
- Children with SHCN from low-income and minority communities are particularly vulnerable to obesity.
Takeaway
Some kids need extra help to stay healthy, especially if they have special health needs. We need to make sure the rules help them too.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in policy responses that may not fully consider the unique needs of children with SHCN.
Limitations
The study does not provide specific data on the effectiveness of current obesity prevention policies for children with SHCN.
Participant Demographics
Children with special health care needs, with variations in sex, age, and race/ethnicity.
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