Trajectories of poverty and economic hardship among American families supporting a child with a neurodisability.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Caring for a child with a neurodisability (ND) impacts the financial decisions, relationships and well-being of family members, but evidence on the economic trajectories of families throughout the life course is missing.

Methods

Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we tracked the families of 3317 children starting 5 years before childbirth until the child reached 20 years of age. We used regression and latent growth curve modelling to estimate trajectories of poverty and economic hardship over time.

Results

Families with a child with an ND had higher rates of poverty and economic hardship prior to childbirth and persistently over time. Analysis uncovered five latent trajectories for each indicator. After controlling for family and caregiver c

SUBMITTER: Rothwell DW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6771969 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature