查看文章

Directors of Head Start (HS) and non–Head Start (non-HS) child care centers were surveyed to compare health consultation and screening for and prevalence of health risks among enrolled children.

Directors of licensed centers from five states were surveyed from 2004 to 2005. Data were analyzed using cross-tabulation and logistic regression techniques.

A total of 2753 surveys were completed. HS centers were more likely than non-HS centers to consult health professionals (P < .0001). More than 90% of HS centers screened for health problems compared with 64.9% of non-HS centers (P < .0001). Almost all HS centers provided parents with child health information. Children at HS centers were at high risk for dental problems. Less than 3% of HS center directors, versus 11.3% of non-HS directors (P < .0002), reported TV viewing for more than an hour a day.