Caregiver Incarceration Heightens the Effect of Asthma on Anxiety and Depression Among School-Aged Children: NCHS 2016-2020.

Anxiety and depression are major challenges among school-aged children. This study investigated whether the association between asthma and anxiety and/or depression was significantly greater among children who experienced caregiver incarceration (CGI) compared to those without CGI. Using the National Survey of Children's Health (2016-2020) data, we estimated the effects of asthma and CGI on anxiety and/or depression among school-aged children (age 6-17) (N = 125,005). Data were analyzed using multivariate techniques in R Software. Asthma and CGI were positively associated with anxiety and depression. Notably, increased anxiety and depression associated with asthma were significantly greater among children who experienced CGI versus those who did not. The joint effects of asthma and CGI on mental health are significantly greater than their individual effects. School-based interventions are needed to address the mental health challenges of children affected by asthma and CGI. Improving asthma management and supporting children with CGI may mitigate the mental health burden.