Measuring Child Disadvantage: Comparing Multidimensional and Socioeconomic Approaches for Predicting Developmental Outcomes
- Author(s)
- Hong, Wei; Mensah, Fiona; O'Connor, Elodie; Guo, Shuaijun; Goldfeld, Sharon; O'Connor, Meredith; Pham, Cindy; Gray, Sarah;
- Journal Title
- Australian Journal of Social Issues
- Publication Type
- Jul 17
- Abstract
- ABSTRACT Robust measurement of disadvantage is essential to identifying and addressing inequities in children's development. We tested how a multidimensional framework of child disadvantage performed relative to a traditional socioeconomic position (SEP) approach to predict developmental outcomes. We utilised data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (n =?5107). Disadvantage at ages 4?5 was measured using: (1) family-level SEP; (2) four social determinant domains (sociodemographic characteristics, geographic environments, health conditions, risk factors); and (3) a composite disadvantage score that summarised the four social determinant domains. Outcomes were academic achievement and social?emotional problems at 8?9?years. Associations between the disadvantage measures and outcomes were examined by regression models. The preferred model was selected using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Disadvantage was associated with poorer child developmental outcomes for each approach. The SEP model was preferred for academic achievement (AIC?=?7549; 7744 for four social determinant lenses; 7852 for composite disadvantage), whereas the four social determinant lenses model was preferred for social?emotional problems (AIC?=?18,158; 18,401 for SEP; 18,207 for composite disadvantage). The prediction of child developmental outcomes can be influenced by the approach to measuring child disadvantage. Measurement of disadvantage should be carefully considered based on the outcome(s) of interest.
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
- Keywords
- child development; disadvantage; health inequity; longitudinal; socioeconomic factors
- Research Division(s)
- Personalised Oncology
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.70045
- Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.70045- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2026-03-16 01:38:25
Last Modified: 2026-03-16 01:52:35