The association between polyvictimization and asthma among children and youth in Ontario

Objective: To evaluate the co-occurrence of polyvictimization (i.e., two or more different types of traumas), socioeconomic factors, caregiver distress, and asthma among Canadian children and youth living in Ontario, Canada. Method: Retrospective data collected from 9,942 children and youth (Mage = 12.32, SDage = 3.56) between 4 and 18 years of age, who completed the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health assessment from mental health agencies were analyzed. Data were used to explore the co-occurrence of socioeconomic factors (e.g., home environment, frequent disruptions in care), caregiver distress, and polyvictimization with asthma. Results: In unadjusted and adjusted models, children with one, two, or three or more traumas were more likely to have the diagnosis than children with no trauma. Additionally, the child or youth’s home environment and higher caregiver distress were significantly related to the likelihood of an asthma diagnosis. Sex and age were not related. Conclusions: In clinical practice, trauma-informed interventions addressing the child or youth’s mental and physical health could improve treatment outcomes. Additionally, the inclusion of interventional strategies specifically for caregivers of these children and youth could optimize asthma outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)