6832 The negative impact of the cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable children: a focus on the United Kingdom

Objectives To provide an overview of the impact on children in the UK and globally while emphasizing the specific challenges faced by children from low-income families, children with mental health issues, and children with chronic conditions. Methods This review examines the literature, reports, and surveys pertaining to the cost-of-living crisis and its impact on children. It incorporates diverse sources such as academic research, governmental reports, and charity organizations to offer a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Results The cost-of-living crisis has led to a range of adverse outcomes for children, including food and housing insecurity, poor physical and mental health, educational difficulties, and social disadvantages. Vulnerable children, such as those from low-income families, experience higher rates of infant mortality, lower birth weights, and increased risks of chronic diseases and mental health problems. Conclusion The cost-of-living crisis has placed vulnerable children at a higher risk of physical, mental, educational, behavioural, and social difficulties. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving family support, community organizations, and the active involvement of healthcare practitioners, especially paediatricians. By providing support, raising awareness, and implementing effective interventions, it is possible to mitigate the detrimental effects of the cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable children and improve their overall well-being. References Ayyash HF, Ogundele MO, Lynn RM, Schumm T-S, Ani C. Involvement of community paediatricians in the care of children and young people with mental health difficulties in the UK: implications for case ascertainment by child and adolescent psychiatric, and paediatric surveillance systems. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2021;5(1):e000713. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000713. Bloch D, Chahroudi A. Poverty and chronic illness: why safety net programs matter. Pediatric Research, 2019;85(6):743–744. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0363-2. Iacobucci G. Cost of living is directly harming child health, paediatricians warn. BMJ, 2022;o2286. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o2286. Kingdon C. Paediatricians work to shift the dial of systemic child poverty and health inequalities. BMJ, 2022;o2416. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o2416.