In order to better understand the status of behavioral and emotional health of children, respondents were asked a series of six questions. The responses were then combined for analysis as a scale score of the behavioral and emotional health of children. These questions were only asked of parents of 6-17 year old children. There was a core set of three questions, plus another three items in each of two age groups pertaining more specifically to children in those groups (6-11 and 12-17). Questions included how often during the past month the child:

1. didn’t get along with other kids
2. couldn’t concentrate or pay attention for long
3. was unhappy, sad, or depressed.

 

Parents of 6-11 year old children were also asked how often during the past month the child:

1. felt worthless or inferior
2. was high-strung or tense
3. acted too young for his or her age.

 

Parents of 12-17 year olds were asked how often during the past month the child:

1. had trouble sleeping
2. lied or cheated
3. did poorly at schoolwork.

 

When these items were scaled together and compared to standardized norms, 7% of children ages 6-17 in Iowa had scores suggesting higher levels of behavioral and emotional health problems. This rate varied by income status: 13% of children in the under 133% FPL group had higher scores on the behavior and emotional health status scale, compared to about 9% in the 134-200% FPL group, and 6% of the 200+ FPL group.