 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
nancy simeonsson, mph, Human Development and Family Studies, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 808 Fletcher Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278, 919-732-5573, nsimeonsson@nc.rr.com and Rune J. Simeonsson, PhD, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, CB #8185, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8185.
With the growing emphasis on identifying children with disabilities and at risk prior to school entry, there is a need for indicators of functional limitations among kindergarten children. Such indicators need to take into account their functional and developmental characteristics. The availability of population based surveys for data on functional limitations is increasing as evidenced by reports based on the 1994 National Health Interview on Disability. Findings from that study revealed limitations in learning (10.6%), communication (5.5%)and mobility (1.3%) in children between the ages of 5-17 years of age(Hogan et al., 1997). Data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K)allows rates to be obtained for a specif group, namely kindergarten children. Using indicator variables from the ECLS-K a composite index of functional limitations wil be developed with values ranging from 0-24 with higher values reflecting greater limitations. Groups formed on the basis of cut-off values, will be compared in terms of children's physical and social environments. Implications for surveillance and research will be identified.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Child Health, Disability Studies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.