Abstract
Objective: To describe initial results from the Child and Adolescent Component of the National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being.
Method: A multistage sampling scheme was used to obtain a representative sample of 4509 children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years from across Australia. The number of children and adolescents sampled was in proportion to the size of the target populations within each state and territory, distributed proportionately across metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas (within the exception of the Northern Territory). Information about child and adolescent mental health problems was obtained from the parents and from adolescents aged 13–17 years using the Child Behaviour Checklist and the Youth Self Report. Parents also completed the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV). The latter instrument was used to identify children and adolescents with Depressive Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Conduct Disorder. These disorders were chosen for assessment by diagnostic interview because of their public health significance for child and adolescent mental health in Australia. The health-related quality of life of children and adolescents was assessed using the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) which has parallel versions designed for independent completion by parents and children aged 10 years or older. The CHQ was completed by parents of 6–17 year olds and by adolescents aged 13–17 years. The questionnaire could not be used with children under the age of 6 years because assessment in several areas is based on children's school functioning and in some states of Australia, children aged four or five years have not commenced school. Information about adolescent health-risk behaviors, suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour was obtained from the 13 to 17 year olds using the Youth Risk Behaviour System Questionnaire developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in North America. Parents also completed a standard questionnaire designed to obtain information about services used by the children and adolescents during the six months prior to the study.
Results: Three sets of results will be reported in the symposium. First, the prevalence of mental health problems experience by children and adolescents and the health-related quality of life of children with mental health problems will be described. Second, rates of health risk behaviors, suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour amongst children and adolescents with mental health problems will be presented. Third, patterns of service utilisation exhibited by children and adolescents with mental health problems and barriers to service use will be reported.
Conclusion: This is the first presentation at a national conference of results from the Child and Adolescent Component of the National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being. It will provide the opportunity for professionals to learn of the initial findings from this national study and to discuss the results with the research group responsible for the study.