Health visiting and pre‐school children with behavioural problems in the County of South Glamorgan: an exploratory study

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Abstract
Using a modified semantic differential technique, perception of different behavioral problems in preschool children was studied in a sample of health visitors in the county of South Glamorgan. A selection of visiting records, covering a 1 yr period is also studied. Results from the semantic-differential indicate that health visitors perceive eating and sleeping as the most common problem areas. Hyperactivity and sleeping problems are seen as being the most difficult to deal with and the most disruptive to family life. Although health visitors generally feel it is necessary to follow up children with behavior problems, they find these difficult to resolve. About 1/3 of the children are referred to other agencies. Visiting records reveal that children with hyperactivity and sleeping problems receive the highest number of visits from health visitors and that there is little improvement in these children over a period of 1 yr. An extension of the health visitor''s role and training to include behavioral treatments for pre-school children is discussed.

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