United States Pediatricians' Attitudes Regarding Public Policies for Low-Income Children and Their Profession's Advocacy Priorities

Abstract Objective To examine pediatricians' attitudes towards public policies for low-income children and the advocacy efforts for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Methods Data from the AAP Periodic Survey in October 2014-March 2015 were used. Respondents ranked 1) Attitudes toward government programs, and 2) Attitudes toward AAP policies on: income support, housing, education, job training, food, and healthcare. Results were analyzed by age, gender, practice location, practice region, type of practice setting, and percent of patients with economic hardship. Results Response rate=47% (n=650). Most respondents reported that for children, the government should guarantee health insurance (88.9%), food and shelter (90.0%). The majority also reported that the government should guarantee health insurance (68.9%) and food and shelter (63.9%) for every citizen and to take care of people who cannot take care of themselves. There is variation among the level of support based on practice setting. In multivariable analyses related to supporting the role of government for children and citizens, not being from the Northeast was associated with lower odds of support of both children and citizens; primary care practices in rural areas were less supportive of government involvement related to all citizens but similar for children; and those Conclusions Pediatricians strongly support government policies that impact child poverty and the provision of basic needs to families. This support should be used to inform professional organizations, advocates and policy-makers focused on children and families.