Pediatrician's Perceptions on Child Lead Poisoning

Despite national reductions in reported cases of child lead poisoning, the illness still disproportionately affects many socially disadvantaged communities. No previous research has identified the extent to which pediatricians consider and utilize environmental interventions within treatment protocols.  Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze pediatricians' perceptions on environmental contributors and interventions related to the issue of child lead poisoning. Within an assessment study, more than 100 pediatricians revealed their perceptions about environmental causes and interventions for child lead poisoning. Logistic regression and split data anaylsis were used to quantify pediatrician perceptions. The study revealed that pediatricians with more than half of their patients receiving Medicaid assistance were  approximately twice as likely to emphasize the importance of environmental issues in matters relating to child lead poisoning (OR 2.62, 95%CI 1.15-5.96).