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The Western Australian Child Health Survey: A review of what was found and what was learned

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2015

Alison F. Garton ,
Stephen R. Zubrick  and
Sven R. Silburn
Alison F. Garton*
Affiliation:
Australian Psychological Society
Stephen R. Zubrick
Affiliation:
TVW Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
Sven R. Silburn
Affiliation:
TVW Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
*
The Australian Psychological Society Ltd, PO Box 126, Carlton South Vic 3053
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Abstract

The Western Australian Child Health Survey (WACHS) surveyed 4- to 16-year-olds and their families. In a pilot study of 189 households, one in five children reported mental health prob1ems.A clinical calibration trial confirmed a link between morbidity on the Child Behaviour Checklist and DSM-III-R diagnosis in clinical interview. In the main study of 1462 households, one in six young people showed at least one mental health problem. Adolescent risk behaviours were associated with developmental coping issues and some behavioural problems. Poor parental health and mental health and some school environments were factors related to adverse health outcomes for young people.

Keywords

epidemiologychildhealthsurvey
Type
Research Article
Information
The Educational and Developmental Psychologist , Volume 15 , Issue 1 , May 1998 , pp. 34 - 44
Copyright
Copyright © Australian Psychological Society 1998

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