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Child Asthma
Similar to adult rates, children’s asthma rates remain fairly steady.
Does this child currently have asthma?
Why this matters?
Asthma narrows airways, causing coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, sometimes requiring emergency care. It can limit children’s activities and daily life. Nationally, asthma is a leading cause of school absences.
Asthma is the most common chronic condition among U.S. children. Triggers can include things like viruses, allergens, tobacco smoke, and environmental pollution. Treatment typically involves quick-relief inhalers and long-term medications to control inflammation, with prompt care helping to prevent serious complications.
15% of children in the region have asthma. In 2021, 11% of adults surveyed said their child had asthma, with 16% of reporting asthma limits their child’s activities. Descriptively, there is an increase, however, the change is not statistically significant, so, rates of childhood asthma remain fairly steady.
Childhood asthma rates across the country continue to rise, with researchers investigating potential causes. Some theories include worsening environmental pollution, increased antibiotic and acetaminophen use, childhood obesity, vitamin D deficiency from reduced sun exposure, and the “hygiene hypothesis,” which suggests limited early germ exposure may affect immune system development. More study is needed.
*See Methods for details on low-income thresholds, methodology, and limitations
Child Health
Statistically, rates of children’s conditions are similar to 2021, with ADD/ADHD and Anxiety remaining at the top.
Has a doctor or other health care provider ever told you that this child had any of the conditions below, even if he/she does not have the condition now?
- ADD/ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Behavior/Conduct Disorder
- Autism
Why this matters?
These aspects of children’s health are a critical part of children’s overall health and can have broad impacts on a child’s functioning and well-being. Early support for emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs can set children up for better quality of life at home, at school, and in the community, and can lead to better adult health.
Common childhood mental and behavioral health conditions include ADHD, anxiety, depression, conduct disorders, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These conditions can appear alone or in combination and may disrupt relationships, learning, and development if left unaddressed. Symptoms depend on the child, but according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
The causes of mental and behavioral health conditions are complex, often involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. As an example, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – such as exposure to violence, parental instability, substance use in the home, or bullying—are strongly linked to poorer mental health, chronic health conditions, and difficulty in school and employment later in life. Treatment when needed, and building resilience in children, families, and systems can make a meaningful difference in health and well-being over the course of life.
ADD/ADHD
ADD/ADHD affects nearly 1 in 10 children ages 3–17 in the U.S., or about 6.5 million (20% locally). Children with ADD/ADHD may be impulsive, hyperactive, inattentive, or fidgety.
You can learn more about ADD/ADHD here.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect about 9.3% of children (20% locally), while depression affects 4.0% (7% locally). Children with these conditions may be excessively worried, withdrawn, irritable, or prone to panic.
Learn more about anxiety disorders here.
Behavioral or conduct problems
Behavioral or conduct problems, including oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, are diagnosed in 8.8% of U.S. children (6% locally) and may include aggression or persistent noncompliance.
You can learn more about behavioral or conduct problems here.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects about 3.3% of children nationwide (5% locally). Children with ASD may have challenges with communication, behavior, and social interaction.
You can learn more about ASD here.
*See Methods for details on low-income thresholds, methodology, and limitations
The 2026 edition of the Greater Evansville Health Survey is a product of Welborn
in partnership with Diehl Consulting Group and Liz Tharp Consulting. View the survey methodology.