Socio-economic differentials in the health-related quality of life of Australian children: results of a national study

Date

2003

Authors

Spurrier, N.
Sawyer, M.
Clark, J.
Baghurst, P.

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Journal article

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Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2003; 27(1):27-33

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Nicola J. Spurrier, Michael G. Sawyer, Jennifer J. Clark and P.A. Baghurst

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Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>To examine differences in health-related quality of life (HRQL) of children living in different socio-economic contexts in Australia.<h4>Methods</h4>Parental reports describing the HRQL and socio-economic status of a random national sample of 3,597 school-age children were obtained using the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) and a standardised socio-economic interview. Response rate was 70%.<h4>Results</h4>Children in families of higher income, whose parents had more years of schooling and were employed and children who lived in two-parent, original families had significantly higher HRQL across a range of domains assessed by the CHQ.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Children from lower socio-economic backgrounds in Australia have a significantly more negative experience of health and wellness. Such differences may well increase unless deliberate political attention is given to addressing the widening differences in relative wealth in Australia.

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© Public Health Association Australia

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