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13. Children in Australian society
Author(s) -
Zwi Karen J,
Henry Richard L
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2005.tb06967.x
Subject(s) - disadvantage , socioeconomic status , social capital , economic growth , intervention (counseling) , politics , social determinants of health , political science , public relations , sociology , health care , medicine , environmental health , social science , nursing , economics , population , law
Although children in Australia generally have good health, some alarming indicators of poor health and wellbeing exist, which are related to major socioeconomic discrepancies. The pathways connecting socioeconomic disadvantage to child health outcomes are complex and poorly understood. Reducing social disadvantage requires strategies beyond the health arena, involving political, moral, cultural and economic initiatives. Developing “social capital” — cohesion in communities, a sense of belonging and involvement in community affairs — may be a key strategy in improving health indicators. Overseas studies of early intervention and home visiting programs in early childhood have shown improvements in child health and development outcomes. Similar programs have been introduced in Australia and face considerable challenges in their widespread roll‐out and evaluation. Health professionals need to develop practical ways to interact with community programs and thus improve social capital.