There has been increasing attention focused on the mental health problems of children in the U.S. To determine the extent of three problems, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), depression, and learning disability, data on children 4-17 years from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were examined. The NHIS is a nationally representative household survey of the civilian non-institutionalized population of the United States conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. Preliminary findings indicated that, overall 6% of U.S children aged 4-17 have ADD/ADHD; 4% have been unhappy, sad, or depressed during the past two months; and 8% have a learning disability. Logistic regression models will be used to determine the odds ratios of children with certain characteristics having one of these problems. The logistic regression models will include independent variables such as age, sex, race, family structure, region of residence, mother's education, and having health insurance. The dependent variables to be examined are developmental delays, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, depression and children identified by a mental health index.
Learning Objectives: Be able to: 1) Describe demographic characteristics associated with children who have developmental, learning, and emotional and behavioral problems. 2) Discuss measures used to monitor mental health in children in the NHIS. 3) Examine the prevalence of a variety of children's psychological problems in relation to economic and demographic factors.
Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Center for Health Statistics/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment