Behavioral and mental health problems in low-income children with special health care needs.
This study examined caregiver perceptions of mental health problems and counseling needs in low-income children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Interviewers collected data from 257 caregivers of CSHCN (61% males; 60% African American; Mean age = 8.4 years) attending six Midwestern inner-city health clinics. Measures included the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and an investigator-designed questionnaire. CBCL T-scores indicated that 38% of CSHCN had a behavioral or mental health problem, but only 26% of caregivers perceived the need for treatment or counseling. CSHCN should be assessed and referred appropriately for behavioral and mental health problems during routine health care visits.
Canty-Mitchell
Janie
J
School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Austin
Joan K
JK
Jaffee
Kim
K
Qi
Rong Amy
RA
Swigonski
Nancy
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003376:Counseling; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011203:Poverty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires