Child health status from the parents perspective - judgement accuracy verification

ConclusionsThe correct assessment of the child's state of health and behaviors related to health is not dependent on parents' weight and level of education, but it depends on parents' opinion about their body weight. Almost ¼ of parents (24.6%) is wrong when they estimate their child's body weight. The main cause of error is the perception of their own body mass. Parents' ratings for healths-related behaviors show very low sensitivity and specificity. There is a need for objectification of assessment in relation to th e child's health. It is necessary to use verification methods of information given by parents.Key messagesIn-depth interviews are valuable. ‘Simple' questions don’t provide accurate answers, but often introduce false information to medical records.Family history that is part of the study should be extended by standardized questions. It will allow medical professionals to get reliable information from parents about their child.
Source: The European Journal of Public Health - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research