Abstract
Methods
A representative community sample of 3,325 children (10–14 years old) was recruited from the Canton of Zurich. Via either
computer-assisted telephone interviews or a written questionnaire, special health care needs were assessed using the five-item
parent-reported CSHCN Screener. Subsequent to screening, a written questionnaire was sent to a sub-sample of 974 children
to acquire more detailed information, both from the children and their parents, about their health and health care utilization,
and to assess HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-27) and emotional and behavioral problems (SDQ). A total of 626 children responded to the questionnaire.
Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association between HRQoL and subject group, controlling for other
covariates.
computer-assisted telephone interviews or a written questionnaire, special health care needs were assessed using the five-item
parent-reported CSHCN Screener. Subsequent to screening, a written questionnaire was sent to a sub-sample of 974 children
to acquire more detailed information, both from the children and their parents, about their health and health care utilization,
and to assess HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-27) and emotional and behavioral problems (SDQ). A total of 626 children responded to the questionnaire.
Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association between HRQoL and subject group, controlling for other
covariates.
Results
Among 2,586 children whose parents participated in the screening stage, roughly 18% were identified as CSHCN, with 6.2% requiring
psychiatric services. The subsequent survey revealed that those CSHCN who required psychiatric services had the lowest HRQoL
scores and highest SDQ scores. CSHCN who utilized psychiatric services were particularly prone to low HRQoL, especially among
lower income families.
psychiatric services. The subsequent survey revealed that those CSHCN who required psychiatric services had the lowest HRQoL
scores and highest SDQ scores. CSHCN who utilized psychiatric services were particularly prone to low HRQoL, especially among
lower income families.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-0078-2
- Authors
- Meichun Mohler-Kuo, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
- Michelle Dey, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
- Journal Quality of Life Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2649
- Print ISSN 0962-9343