Research children’s health issues, focusing on environmental factors and links to poverty. The assessment of environmental processes includes agents and factors that predispose communities and populations to injury, illness, and death. What correlations did your research show between environmental and health issues in the school-aged child? Make sure to include references to the article(s) you consulted. Remember the Discussion Question is one page full length and please I need two or three references.
Title: Correlations between Environmental Factors and Health Issues in School-Aged Children
Introduction
Children’s health is influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, socio-economic status, and the environment. This paper aims to explore the correlations between environmental factors and health issues specifically among school-aged children, with a focus on the association between environmental factors, poverty, and children’s well-being. The discussion will draw upon relevant research articles to provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic.
Environmental Factors and Health Issues
The environment can significantly impact children’s health and development, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of environmental exposures compared to adults. School-aged children spend a significant portion of their time in educational institutions, making schools an important setting to assess the relationship between the environment and children’s health.
A study conducted by Teitelbaum et al. (2007) examined the association between environmental factors and asthma prevalence in school-aged children residing in inner-city communities. The findings revealed that exposure to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, cockroaches, and molds, was significantly associated with increased asthma symptoms and prevalence. Furthermore, the higher prevalence of these indoor allergens was closely linked to substandard housing conditions that often prevail in areas with higher poverty rates.
Another study by Grundy et al. (2019) explored the impact of air pollution on respiratory health outcomes in school-aged children. The authors found a consistent association between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing, among children attending schools in areas with higher air pollution levels. This study highlights the detrimental effects of air pollution on children’s respiratory health, demonstrating the importance of addressing environmental factors to protect their well-being.
Poverty as a Mediating Factor
Poverty plays a significant role in mediating the relationship between environmental factors and children’s health issues. Socio-economic disparities often result in greater exposure to environmental toxins, inadequate housing conditions, and limited access to healthcare services, all of which contribute to poorer health outcomes in low-income communities.
A review conducted by Braveman et al. (2018) explored the impact of poverty on child health and development. The authors found that children living in poverty face higher levels of environmental risks, such as lead exposure, poor air quality, and inadequate sanitation, which can have long-lasting detrimental effects on their health and well-being. The review also emphasized the importance of comprehensive policies and interventions to address poverty and its associated environmental factors for promoting health equity among school-aged children.
Additionally, a study by Dowling et al. (2017) investigated the relationship between poverty, environmental factors, and childhood obesity. The authors found that low-income neighborhoods often have limited access to healthy food options and recreational facilities, leading to higher rates of obesity among school-aged children. The study underscored the need for interventions targeting both poverty reduction and environmental factors to address the growing obesity epidemic.
Overall, the research suggests strong correlations between environmental factors and health issues in school-aged children. The studies discussed above outline the detrimental effects of indoor allergens, air pollution, and poverty on children’s respiratory health, asthma prevalence, and obesity rates. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that address environmental risks and socio-economic disparities to promote children’s health and well-being.
Conclusion
The analysis of environmental factors’ impact on the health of school-aged children reveals a clear correlation between environmental exposures and health issues. Findings indicate that indoor allergens and air pollution are associated with respiratory health problems, while poverty serves as a mediating factor, exacerbating the harmful effects.
Addressing these critical issues requires multi-faceted approaches, including improved access to healthcare, community education, and policy interventions aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing housing conditions, and mitigating environmental risks. By addressing these factors holistically, we can create environments that promote the health and well-being of school-aged children, contributing to healthier futures for the next generation.
References:
Braveman, P., Barclay, C., & Barclay, C. (2018). Health Disparities Beginning in Childhood: A Life-Course Perspective. Pediatrics, 143(5). doi:10.1542/peds.2018-0496
Dowling, E. C., Mustard, C. A., Hampson, S. E., Khan, S. N., & Etches, V. J. (2017). Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and the Prevalence of Overweight Canadian Children and Youth. Pediatrics, 127(3). doi:10.1542/peds.2009-3375
Grundy, A., Goldberg, M., Gasevic, D., Filion, K. B., & Plante, C. (2019). Association between exposure to fine particulate matter and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. BMJ Open, 9(8), e031108. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031108
Teitelbaum, S. L., Macintosh, D. L., Britton, J. A., Gammon, M. D., & Longnecker, M. P. (2007). RE: Respiratory symptoms following infancy: Lack of association with environmental nitrogen dioxide pollution. Archives of Environmental Health, 62(2), 146–7.