Pediatric hospitalizations for certain conditions higher where incomes vary widely

Children living in areas with large differences in income have higher hospitalization rates for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, according to a study published online this week by JAMA Pediatrics. These are conditions for which timely and effective outpatient care might avoid hospitalization, such as asthma and bacterial pneumonia. “Consideration of income inequality, in addition to income level, may provide a better understanding of the complex relationship between socioeconomic status and pediatric health outcomes for ACSCs,” the authors said. “Efforts aimed at reducing rates of hospitalization for ACSCs should consider focusing on areas with high income inequality.”