The prevalence of illness in a birth cohort

The prevalence of illness was studied in a birth cohort of Christchurch three-year-olds. By three-years sample members had made an average of 15.9 consultations to general practitioners; 29 percent had been admitted to hospital and 47 percent had made hospital outpatient attendances. The majority of general practitioner consultations involved: respiratory illness; skin rash; gastro-intestinal illness and accidents. Six categories of illness accounted for the majority of hospital admissions: respiratory illness, accidents, feeding and management problems, suspect or inadequate home environment, minor surgical procedures and gastro-intestinal illness. Major reasons for outpatient attendance were: accidents, musculoskeletal problems, respiratory illness, congenital heart murmur and vision problems.