A new study published on July 7 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals a concerning decline in the health of American children. The research shows that children in the United States are in significantly poorer health compared to those in other developed nations. Even more alarming, their overall health has steadily deteriorated over the past 15 years. Experts point to rising rates of chronic conditions, poor access to care, and widening socioeconomic disparities as contributing factors. The study serves as a wake-up call for urgent reforms in child healthcare and public health policies across the country.
US children health declines sharply since 2007: Study
The study analyzed health trends in children from 2007 through 2023. It found a significant decline across a wide range of health indicators among US children. In particular, the data showed that the overall health status of children in the US is deteriorating, reflecting a broad and concerning public health challenge.One of the most alarming findings is the disparity in mortality rates. Infants in the US are 1.78 times more likely to die than infants in comparable developed countries. Similarly, children and adolescents aged 1 to 19 face a mortality rate 1.8 times higher than their international counterparts.This increased risk of death in the older age group is largely attributed to preventable causes such as firearm-related incidents and motor vehicle crashes. These tragedies contribute to an estimated 54 additional child deaths each day in the US Notably, these mortality rates represent a sharp contrast to the 1960s when US child death rates were similar to those of other developed nations.
45% of American kids now diagnosed with chronic illnesses
Beyond mortality, the study also revealed that American children are 14% more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions compared to children elsewhere. Between 2011 and 2023, the percentage of children diagnosed with chronic conditions increased from 39.9% to 45.7%. Chronic issues affecting American youth include mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness, as well as developmental conditions like autism, behavioral conduct disorders, developmental delays, speech and language impairments, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Pediatrician warns of “Toxic environment” behind US child health decline
Dr. Chris Forrest, a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and director of the Applied Clinical Research Center, expressed deep concern over these findings. He stated, “Kids in this country are really suffering,” emphasizing the serious nature of the decline in child health. Dr. Forrest noted that he has observed a significant shift in the health of children since the 1990s. He explained that this decline results from a complex combination of factors creating what he described as a “very toxic environment” for children today. While some initiatives, such as the Make America Healthy Again Commission led by US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, focus on environmental factors like chemicals in food, Dr. Forrest stresses that the problem is far more complex.“It’s not just the chemicals or the food or even technology like iPhones,” Forrest said. “It’s a much broader issue involving the entire developmental ecosystem — including the environments where children grow up, go to school, play, and live with their families.” He pointed out that the health challenges are widespread, affecting children across the entire nation, rather than any single community or population group.
Why are US children suffering more than those in Europe
Dr. Forrest also highlighted that the health crisis begins even before birth, as many women in the US are entering pregnancy already suffering from health issues. This compounds the challenges faced by children from the outset.He posed a stark question: “Why are we allowing American children to be more likely to die or suffer than children born in countries like Germany or Denmark?” For Forrest, these deteriorating child health outcomes serve as a warning signal — “the proverbial canary in the coal mine.” The worsening health of children reflects a fundamental decline in the nation’s well-being and future stability. As Dr. Forrest concluded, the health of children is the foundation of the nation’s future. Protecting and improving that foundation is essential to ensuring a healthier, more resilient America for generations to come.Also Read | What is liver cirrhosis? Causes, symptoms, diet and key prevention tips you shouldn’t ignore
