Setting priorities for children's health: viewpoints of family physicians and pediatricians.

BACKGROUND

In this study family physicians and pediatricians were asked to rank public health goals for children for the year 2000 and to assign responsibility for implementing these goals.

METHODS

All members of the New Jersey chapters of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians were sent a one-time mail questionnaire. Statistical analysis of responses, a review of written comments, and follow-up telephone interviews completed the study.

RESULTS

About 500 physicians returned the surveys (25 percent response rate). The highest ranked public health goals were reducing tobacco, alcohol, and other drug abuse; improving physical activity and fitness; immunizing against and controlling infectious diseases; and improving maternal and infant health. Physicians assigned prevention efforts to the federal government, the family, and the individual.

CONCLUSIONS

Family physicians and pediatricians routinely interact with two of the parties to whom they assign prevention responsibility--the individual and the family. The ability of physicians to influence these parties will increase if universal access to primary care and preventive services becomes law. This means they will also be in a unique position to influence high-priority public health goals for children.