[Social characteristics and health status of children entering foster care centers].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the social characteristics and health status of children entering foster care.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed over a 6-year period. Data was collected using a standardized entrance form. Using the child's medical history and a physical examination according to standardized protocols their health status was assessed.


RESULTS
The following results were obtained on 776 children. Demography: 53.6% males and 46.4% females; mean age 7.3 +/- 5.7 years and predominance of infants/preschoolers (46.1%) and adolescents (32.9%). Family characteristics: living in a single parent family (33.2%) or no parent family (18.4%) before placement; coming from a high-risk family (53.7%) and/or a family with multiple problems (33.9%). Reason for placement: neglect (50.2%), parental incapacity (24.2%), abandonment (22%), physical abuse (20.1%), child disruptive behavior (17%), emotional abuse (11%), sexual abuse (3.2%) and more than one reason (33.1%). Personal history: chronic illness (4.4%), incomplete immunization (20.1%), psychomotor delay (4.2%), special education (3.3%), and delay/precocious school abandonment (34.6%). Health status: abnormality in at least one body system (66.1%) and more than one (42%), the most frequent health problems included problems in odontology (38.1%), dermatology (29.9%), vision (18.4%), respiration (11.6%), orthopedics (10.5%), psychomotor delay (10.3%), otology (8.1%) and ocular (6%). Actions taken included: therapeutic prescription for acute illness (43.7%) and referral to other sanitary services (46.9%).


CONCLUSIONS
A high rate of children entering foster care present physical and mental health problems. These problems can be identified at the time of entrance into foster care; therefore, early intervention in the treatment and referral of this high-risk population must be undertaken as a great opportunity to solve them.
Oliván Gonzalvo
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Departamento de Sanidad, Bienestar Social y Trabajo, Diputación General de Aragón.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005581:Foster Home Care; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012951:Socialization; D013030:Spain