A Smaller Percent of Hispanic Children Have Special Health Care Needs: Is that Possible?

J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2017;41(1):1-4. doi: 10.17796/1053-4628-41.1.1.

Abstract

The results from latest study of children with special health care needs indicate at the national and state levels that (except for Asian children) the proportion of Hispanic children with special needs is less than for other child populations. A review of a series of associated factors raises questions of the validity of these general national and state findings. The significant projected increases in the Hispanic population during the next decades points to the necessity of reconsidering the recent survey findings in light of what could be continued increases in the numbers of youngsters with special health care needs and the evolving family cultural adaptation, education and employment opportunities.

Keywords: Hispanic children; disabilities; immigrants; unmet needs.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dental Care for Children*
  • Disabled Children / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Health Surveys
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • United States / epidemiology