Background to the Research
- There has been much written about inequalities and the effect of poverty
on children's health. However, there has been little research examining
the measurement of children's health and health behaviours with their
family circumstances.
Research Approach
- A representative sample of 6-7 year olds and their families within the
EHSSB area was obtained by selecting one in four families with children
born during 1989 within EHSSB. The Child health System was used as a
sampling frame, as it holds routine health care information on all children
from birth until school leaving age. The database was ordered by date
of birth, sex and community trust area. Every fourth child was selected.
- Three questionnaires were designed:
- The child health and lifestyle questionnaire was administered by a health
visitor directly to a parent. This contained standardised questions
from the 1991 Census, Continuous Household Survey and other health studies.
Information related to the structure and socio-economic circumstances
of the family, children's experience of health services and general
health, as well as on accidents, safety, diet and lifestyle, environment
and behaviour, and family health and lifestyle.
- The child health questionnaire parent report was a self completion questionnaire,
and covered parental, child and family details, plus aspects of children's
health.
- The child questionnaire was administered by the health visitor and contained
closed and open-ended questions to allow children to express themselves
on friendships, contentment, family relationships, health behaviours,
diet and general influences.
- Physical measurements (height and weight) were also taken.
Main
Findings
- Information
was obtained for 748 boys and 761 girls (response rate of 69%). The
majority of parents completing the questionnaires were mothers (98%).
- Average
family size was 5, with 3 children. Single parent families made up 13%
of families.
- 69% of
families were from a non-manual social class background, based on current
or last occupation.
- 25% of
families had no direct income from employment. 29% of children were
eligible for free school meals.
- Children
from North and West Belfast, and Down and Lisburn had poorer health
and health behaviours than other children. Educational achievement,
as well as levels of income and employment were also lower in these
areas.
- The most
widespread children's health problem was poor dental health. Asthma
was the most named health condition, and was more prevalent among boys
than girls.
- The health
behaviours of parents were reflected and reinforced in children, which
causes concern given low levels of exercise and high rates of smoking
among many parents.
- Risk
factors for later disease included high salt and sugar intake, low levels
of exercise, poor dental hygiene and smoking.
- There
were clear links between family socio-econom circumstances and the health
status and health behaviours of children. Information on family health
status, health related behaviour and health outcomes can provide a more
accurate picture of factors affecting children's health that geographic
analysis alone.
- The baseline
data on children's health and lifestyle that has been gathered can provide
guidance for future health initiatives.
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