Socioeconomic status and healthcare utilization disparities among children with epilepsy in the United States: Results from a nationally representative sample

Abstract

Epilepsy affects 1% of the US population. Healthcare disparities are well-studied among adults with epilepsy but less so among children. We examined whether children with epilepsy (1) have lower income than or (2) utilize the emergency department (ED) differently from children without epilepsy, and (3) if income moderates ED utilization. Data from the 2016–2019 National Survey of Children’s Health were used to identify children with active “epilepsy or seizure disorder”. Children with versus without epilepsy were compared. Income and ED visits were modeled with logistic and Poisson regressions. This analysis included 131,326 children; 835 were diagnosed with epilepsy. Estimated population prevalence of epilepsy was 0.6%. Children from higher-income-households were less likely to have epilepsy (aOR: 0.7). Children with epilepsy were more likely to visit EDs (aOR = 10.2), see healthcare professionals (aOR: 2.7), and receive care from specialists (aOR: 10.3). Income moderated the relationship between having epilepsy and ED visits. 7.7% of children with epilepsy did not receive needed healthcare. Some barriers were acquiring appointments (aOR: 3.9) and transportation (aOR: 4.7). In conclusion, children with epilepsy were more likely than children without epilepsy to live in lower-income-households, visit EDs, see healthcare professionals, and not receive needed healthcare. Barrier-specific policy interventions may improve medical access for children with epilepsy.