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

Abstract Objective: To examine differences in health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of children living in different socio‐economic contexts in Australia. Methods: Parental reports describing the HRQL and socio‐economic status of a random national sample of 3,597 school‐age children were obtained usi...

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Main Authors: Nicola J. Spurrier (Author), Michael G. Sawyer (Author), Jennifer J. Clark (Author), Peter Baghurst (Author)
Format: Book
Published: Elsevier, 2003-02-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:Abstract Objective: To examine differences in health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of children living in different socio‐economic contexts in Australia. Methods: 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%. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.
Item Description:1753-6405
1326-0200
10.1111/j.1467-842X.2003.tb00376.x