Influence of parental gender and self-reported health and illness on parent-reported child health

Abstract

Background. Although there is clear evidence of the influence of parental factors on child health outcomes, the influence of parental perceptions of their health and illness on the reporting of child health remains primarily unknown. Objectives. To examine relationships between parents' reporting of their own health and illness with the reporting of their children's health and illness. Method. We surveyed parents of a representative population-based sample of children aged 5 to 18 years. One parent of each child completed a written questionnaire including the Child Health Questionnaire, a subjective measure of functional health and well-being, and an assessment of self-reported parental heal..