Economic recession is direct affecting children's health, study shows

The economic recession is directly affecting the health of New Zealand's most vulnerable children, research released today shows.The study shows there were about 2000 more hospital admissions last year compared to 2007 for children with medical conditions that occur more frequently in children living in poverty.The Children's Social Health Monitor's 2010 findings also show that admissions for socio-economically sensitive conditions were consistently higher for Maori and Pacific children. These conditions mostly consist of infectious and respiratory diseases and occur more frequently in economically deprived areas.

But despite the increase in socio-economically linked hospital admissions, there was a decline in the number of deaths from such conditions.The findings, put together by Te Tuia Well Child, a group of academics, and show around 20% of New Zealand children now live in families who rely on a benefit as the main source of family income.Dr Elizabeth Craig, Director of the New Zealand Child and Youth Epidemiology Service, said the results were concerning.The report concluded that the findings suggest New Zealand's current social safety nets may be inadequately protecting children from severe or significant hardship.Child Poverty Action Group said it was concerned by the results.CPAG's health spokesperson Nikki Turner said that the deteriorating state of children's health was the most obvious sign that New Zealand is not investing enough in childrens' early years.These children are tomorrow's citizens. Many respiratory illnesses suffered in childhood result in permanent damage and disability in adulthood,Turner said.We have an ageing population, and cannot afford to ignore the wellbeing of these children.The group is calling for greater support families receiving benefit payments.