Familial Risk in Low-Income Children With Chronic Illness Exposed to Passive Smoke

Background. This study highlights the family characteristics of a child living in a state of triple risk: chronically ill, exposed to passive smoke, and residing in a low-income household. Methods. Head Start families were divided into 4 groups based on passive smoke exposure and child chronic illness status. Analyses of covariance controlling for parent education, parent employment, marital status, and residence were conducted to identify group differences in the Family Map risk areas. Results. Families of chronically ill, passive smoke–exposed children demonstrated the highest levels of risks across a range of areas including: meeting basic needs, family conflict, parenting stress, and parental depression and anxiety. Conclusions. Children living in poverty with a chronic illness who are exposed to smoke are likely to face many challenges in addition to their illness. Healthcare professionals can identify family risks and provide targeted educate and support to potentially reduce risk factors for children.