Question  How has US children’s health—ie, mortality, chronic conditions, obesity, functional status, and symptoms—changed from 2007 to 2023? [JAMA Network] 

Findings  Temporal trends from 2007 to 2023 have significantly worsened for child mortality; chronic physical, developmental, and mental health conditions; obesity; sleep health; early puberty; limitations in activity; and physical and emotional symptoms.

Meaning  US children’s health has deteriorated across a broad spectrum of indicators, highlighting the need to identify the root causes of this fundamental decline in the nation’s health.

Abstract

Importance  Recent scientific and policy statements suggest that child health may be worsening in the US.

Objective  To determine how US children’s health has been changing from 2007 to 2023 using multiple data collection methods and a comprehensive set of health indicators.

Download article here>

###