Disadvantaged Children's Physical, Developmental and Behavioral Health Problems in an Urban Environment

Abstract

This study of particularly disadvantaged families with young children (0–7 years)focused on children's physical, developmental and behavioral domains and parents' use of support services. Data from 500 families spread across a major urban Australian city were examined for links between categories of problems/parental concerns, family socioeconomic characteristics, and prevalence of childhood health problems. Results indicated that families were twice as likely to report physical or developmental problems when unable to manage financially. Connections were also found between parental concerns, social capital and parenting dissatisfaction. Parents with multiple child problems were significantly more bothered than parents reporting one or no problem. Parents reporting no problems were also significantly happier with their children than other parents. Findings confirm the impact of poverty on families and young children's lives and are encouraging of further research to clarify the effects of social capital and geographic location on children's health and well-being.