Children with a regular FP - do they have better health behaviours and psychosocial health?

BACKGROUND

Adults who receive care from family physicians (FPs) are healthier than those who do not, but not much is known about the health behaviours and psychosocial health of children who have FPs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to test the hypothesis that children who have a regular FP have better health behaviours and psychosocial health than children who do not have a regular FP.

METHODS

The health behaviours and psychosocial wellbeing of 7057 children in Hong Kong were measured by the Youth Risk Behaviour Survey and the 'anxious/depressed', 'somatic complaints' and 'aggressive behaviours' domains of the Children Behaviour Checklist (CBCL).

RESULTS

Good health and hygiene behaviours were significantly more prevalent in children who had a regular FP. Children who did not have a regular FP had statistically significant higher scores in all three main domains of the CBCL. Children with a regular FP had higher odds ratios for various hygiene and health behaviours after adjusting for socioeconomic status.

DISCUSSION

The findings highlight the potential role of FPs in promoting health, hygiene, and wellbeing in children.