The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46006

Gulnur Scott, MPA, Divison of Health Interview Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics, 6525 Belcrest Rd, Room # 850, Hyattsville, MD 20782, 301-458-4085, grs3@cdc.gov and Gloria A. Simpson, MA, Division of Health Interview Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6525 Belcrest Rd, Room # 850, Hyattsville, MD 20782.

The need of children with emotional and learning problems, such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), to receive appropriate services is a major concern of mental health professionals. Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a nationally representative household survey, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicate that 6.5 % or 6.8 million children aged 5-17 have ADD. Using data from the 1998-1999 NHIS, this analysis will assess the differences in the utilization of health care services by U.S. children aged 5 to 17 with and without ADD. In 1998-1999, children with ADD were more likely to receive special education services (37.8% vs. 4.3 %) and to see a mental health professional (37.8% vs. 4.3%) when compared to children without ADD. This paper will also present data for children with ADD who have unmet medical needs due to cost and who need counseling but are unable to afford it. Other variables that are examined include visits to a general doctor, the taking of prescription medication for three months or longer, and the types of health insurance.

Learning Objectives: Be able to

• Describe demographic characteristics associated with children who have Attention Deficit Disorder;
• Discuss patterns of utilization of health care services, comparing children who have ADD and who do not have ADD;
• Examine risk factors for children with and without ADD.

Keywords: Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Center for Health Statistics of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment