Ethnocultural variations in the prevalence and impact of childhood chronic conditions

The incidence of chronic physical or mental conditions may vary among children from different ethnic and racial groups. Socioeconomic factors may affect the prevalence of certain conditions in different communities. A study examined the incidence of chronic physical or mental conditions among white, Hispanic and black children under 18 years old. An estimated 31% of the children had at least one chronic condition. The incidence of chronic conditions was significantly higher among white children than among Hispanic or black children. Parents of white children may report chronic conditions in their children more often than those of Hispanic or black children. Other factors that may have contributed to this difference include variations in income or access to health care.