Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116806

Jenifer Cartland, PhD, Children's Memorial Research Center, Mary Ann and J Milburn Smith Child Health Research Program, 2300 Children's Plaza, Box 157, Chicago, IL 60614-3394, 312-573-7772, jcartland@childrensmemorial.org and Holly S. Ruch-Ross, ScD, Research & Evaluation Consultant, 9345 Avers Ave, Evanston, IL 60203.

Risk behaviors, usually defined to include substance use, sexual practices and violence-related behaviors, are well studied, particularly among adolescents. However, little is known about health behaviors and behavioral risk status of younger children. A recent evaluation of a comprehensive school health education curriculum provided an opportunity to survey elementary school children about their perceived health status, knowledge, attitudes, health self-efficacy and health behavior. A total of 4273 surveys were completed by children, grades 2-5, in 24 schools in a large urban school district during the spring semester. Schools were selected to represent the full range of schools and students in the system. About one-third of respondents spoke a language other than English at home. Older children scored higher than younger ones on health knowledge, attitude, and health self-efficacy, and they rated their general health status a little better. However, despite better knowledge and self-efficacy, older children scored lower on healthy behaviors. Thus, for example, 72% of second graders, but only 52% of fifth graders, reported always wearing a seat belt when riding in a car, with a steady decline in grades 3 and 4. Twenty-two percent of second graders reported using a stove to cook by themselves; this proportion was 38% among 3rd graders, 53% for 4th graders, and 72% for 5th graders. This paper will present descriptive findings of young children's self-reported health behaviors and comparisons by grade among elementary school children. The discussion will include a consideration of issues presented in conducting surveys with young children.

Learning Objectives: After attending this session, participants will be able to

• Identify health behaviors that may place children at risk for poor health status.
• Discuss issues in conducting surveys with young children.

Keywords: Children's Health, Health Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.