Children in deprived areas must not lose out on general health improvements, health experts have warned, following the release of Government figures that reveal asthma rates in children have fallen by more than half in less than 10 years.
Social Trends found the biggest drop was in children younger than five between 1996 and 2003. In 1996 there were 264 new episodes of asthma per 100,000 people in this age group in England and Wales. Seven years later the number was 108.
Rosemary McQuarrie, professional officer for the Community Practitioners, and Health Visitors' Association, says: "We know poor living conditions, poverty and deprivation contribute to asthma and must make sure community practitioners and health visitors are advocates for the families living in these conditions."
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
