Understanding income-related differences in distribution of child growth, behaviour and development using a cross-sectional sample of a clinical cohort study

Abstract

Objectives Children from low-income households are at an increased risk of social, behavioural and physical health problems. Prior studies have generally relied on dichotomous outcome measures. However, inequities may exist along the range of outcome distribution. Our objective was to examine differences in distribution of three child health outcomes by income categories (high vs low): body mass index (BMI), behaviour difficulties and development. Design and setting This was a cross-sectional study using data from a primary care-based research network with sites in three Canadian cities, and 15 practices enrolling participants. Participants, independent variable and outcomes The independent variable was annual household income, dichotomised at the median income for Toronto (