ERIC Number: ED477673
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2002-Mar
Pages: 8
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Co-Morbidity among Children with Disabilities.
Boothroyd, Roger A.; Armstrong, Mary I.
This paper reports on a study that examined the co-morbidity of health and mental health problems in children and youth by investigating: (1) the prevalence of significant health and mental health problems among children with either a health or mental health disability; (2) how these prevalence rates compare to a general sample of children in families receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families; and (3) the rate of unmet service needs among children with co-occurring mental health disabilities. Children (n=1,145) either had no disability or received Supplemental Security Income because of a health disability (n=161) or had an identified mental health disability (n=220). Child caregivers completed a questionnaire. Findings indicated that the rate at which children with an identified mental health disability were found to have an existing health problem (37.8%) was similar to the rate at which children with an identified health disability were found to have an existing mental health problem (37%). Among both groups of children, the likelihood of having current co-morbid health and mental health problems was approximately 26%. In both groups of children with disabilities, unmet mental health needs were found to be 2 to 3 times higher than were unmet health needs. Three policy recommendations supported by the study conclude the report. (Contains 19 references.) (DB)
Descriptors: Elementary Secondary Education, Emotional Disturbances, Health Services, Incidence, Mental Disorders, Multiple Disabilities, Needs Assessment, Policy Formation, Special Health Problems, Surveys
For full text: http://rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu/conference_proceedings.htm.
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Inst. on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: University of South Florida, Tampa. Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A