Growingup.ie

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GROWING UP IN IRELAND – the national longitudinal study of children
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
PRIMARY CAREGIVER QUESTIONNAIRE – 13-year
TWIN SUPPLEMENT
HOUSEHOLD

Interviewer Name__________________________ Interviewer Number
Date ____ ______ ______
Day month year

Child’s Name: _______________________ [1st Name Only]
[Interviewer: please record, height and weight of the Study Twin below:]
Height: _________ cms
Weight: _________ kgs
Now I would like to ask you a few questions regarding the Child’s health.
A. CHILD’S HEALTH

A1. [Card A1] In general, how would you describe <child’s> health in the past year?

Almost always unwell . 4

A2. Does <child> have any on-going chronic physical or mental health problem, illness or disability?

Yes

A3. What is the nature of this problem, illness or disability? Please describe as fully as possible.

[Int: Please record diagnosis, not symptoms of the problem] ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
A4. Has this problem, illness or disability been diagnosed by a medical professional?


A5. Since when has <child> had this problem, illness or disability? ______(mth) _____(year)

A6. Is <child> hampered in his/her daily activities by this problem, illness or disability?

A7. In the past year has <child> had any periods when there was wheezing with whistling on his/her chest when
he/she breathed?


A8. How many separate episodes/bouts of wheezing with whistling on his/her chest has <child>

had in the past 12 months? _______ N

A9. Has <child> been prescribed medication for this condition (including inhaler, antibiotics,

nebuliser) over the last 12 months?

A10a. Has <child> received a course of antibiotics in the past 12 months?


A10b. In total, how many courses of antibiotics has <child> received in the past 12 months?


A11. Most children have accidents at some time. In the last 12 months has <child> had an accident or injury that
required hospital treatment or admission?

A12. How many separate accidents has <child> ever had that required hospital treatment or admission?
_____________ accidents
A13. How many of these accidents involved bone fractures or breaks? __________________
A14. About how many nights has <child> spent in hospital over his/her lifetime? (Exclude at time of birth)
[INTERVIEWER: IF NONE, ENTER ‘0’ – DO NOT LEAVE BLANK] ________nights

A15. In the last 12 months how many visits has <child> made to the A&E (Accident and Emergency) department
of a hospital? [INTERVIEWER: IF ‘NONE’ ENTER ‘0’ DO NOT LEAVE BLANK] ________ visits

A16. [Card A16] In the last 12 months, how many times have you seen, or talked on the telephone with any of the
following about the <child’s> physical, emotional or mental health? [Int. if ‘none’ write ‘0’ do not leave blank]

A. A general practitioner (GP) . _______ . 3 . 4
B. A practice nurse . _______ . 3 . 4
C. Another medical doctor e.g. in a hospital . _______ . 3 . 4
D. Other professional, psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor etc_______ . 3 . 4
E. A social worker . _______ . 3 . 4
A17. Was there any time during the past 12 months when <child> really needed to consult a GP or specialist but
did not?

Yes, there was at least one occasion . 1
A18. [Card A18] What was the main reason for not consulting a GP or specialist?
a) You couldn’t afford to pay . 1
b) The necessary medical care wasn’t available or accessible to you . 2 c) You could not take time off work to visit the doctor with <child> . 3 d) You wanted to wait and see if the problem got better . 4 f) Child is still on the waiting list . 6 g) Too far to travel/no means of transport . 7
h) Other (specify) . 8


A19. [Card A19] Which of the following best describes how regularly <child> visits the dentist?
At least once a year . 1
Never/almost never . 5

A20. Has <child> ever had:
(a) Any permanent / secondary teeth filled? . 1 . 2 (b) Any permanent / secondary teeth pulled? . 1 . 2

A21. Was there any time during the past 12 months when <child> really needed to consult a dentist but did not?

Yes, there was at least one occasion . 1
A22. [Card A22] What was the main reason for not consulting the dentist?
a) You couldn’t afford to pay . 1
b) The necessary medical care wasn’t available or accessible to you . 2 c) You could not take time off work to visit the dentist with <child>. 3 d) You wanted to wait and see if the problem got better . 4 f) Child is still on the waiting list . 6 g) Too far to travel/no means of transport . 7
h) Other (specify) . 8

A23. Does <child> usually have breakfast at home before going to school?


A24. [Card A24] Which of these best describes <child’s> weight?
[INT: ASK THE RESPONDENT TO USE THE CODES 1-8 AS ON THE CARD IF CHILD IS PRESENT AT TIME OF INTERVIEW]
Don’t know . 8

A25. [Card A25] How far away is <child’s> school from your home (one-way distance)?

Less than ½mile (less than 1km) . 1
½ to less than 1 mile (1 - less than 2km) . 2 More than 5 miles away (8km or more) . 4 Not applicable . 6

A26. [Card A26] How does <child> usually go to school?
1. He/she walks . 1 2. By public transport . 2 3. School bus/coach . 3 4. By car . 4 5. Rides a bicycle . 5 6. Other (please describe) . 6 7. Not applicable . 7


B. CHILD’S EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Now I’d like to ask some questions on the Child’s emotional health and well-being.
B1. [Card B1] Looking at Card B1, has <child> experienced any of the following since we last interviewed you
when he/ she was nine:

[INT: ASK THE RESPONDENT TO USE CODES A-P AS ON THE CARD IF CHILD IS PRESENT AT TIME OF INTERVIEW]
B. Death of a close family member (other than a parent) please specify . G. Stay in foster home/ residential care . I. Serious illness/injury of a family member . J. Drug taking/alcoholism in the immediate family . K. Mental disorder in immediate family . L. Your house being broken into . 12 M. Conflict between parents . 13 N. Parent in prison . 14 O. Other disturbing event (please specify) . P. None of the above . 16

B2. [Card B2] Listed on Card B2, is a set of statements which could be used to describe <child’s> behaviour. For
each item, please indicate whether it is Not True, Somewhat True or Certainly True. It would help us if you
answered all items as best you can even if you are not absolutely certain. Please give answers on the basis of
<child’s> behaviour over the last six months. Use answers 1, 2 or 3 as on the card if you like.

A. Considerate of other people’s feelings . 1 . 2 . 3
B. Restless, overactive, cannot stay still for long . 1 . 2 . 3
C. Often complains of headaches, stomach aches or sickness . 1 . 2 . 3
D. Shares readily with other children (treats, toys, pencils etc.) . 1 . 2 . 3
E. Often has temper tantrums or hot tempers . 1 . 2 . 3
F. Rather solitary, tends to play alone . 1 . 2 . 3
G. Generally obedient, usually does what adults request . 1 . 2 . 3
H. Many worries, often seems worried . 1 . 2 . 3
I. Helpful if someone is hurt, upset or feeling ill . 1 . 2 . 3
J. Constantly fidgeting or squirming . 1 . 2 . 3
K. Has at least one good friend . 1 . 2 . 3
L. Often fights with other children or bullies them . 1 . 2 . 3
M. Often unhappy, down-hearted or tearful . 1 . 2 . 3
N. Generally liked by other children . 1 . 2 . 3
O. Easily distracted, concentration wanders . 1 . 2 . 3
P. Nervous or clingy in new situations, easily loses confidence . 1 . 2 . 3
Q. Kind to younger children . 1 . 2 . 3
R. Often lies or cheats . 1 . 2 . 3
S. Picked on or bullied by other children . 1 . 2 . 3
T. Often volunteers to help others (parents, teachers, other children) . 1 . 2 . 3
U. Thinks things out before acting . 1 . 2 . 3
V. Steals from home, school or elsewhere . 1 . 2 . 3
W. Gets on better with adults than with other children . 1 . 2 . 3
X. Many fears, easily scared . 1 . 2 . 3
Y. Sees tasks through to the end, good attention span . 1 . 2 . 3


B3. [Card B3] Listed on card B3 are a number of personality traits that may or may not apply to your child. Please
indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with that statement. You should rate the extent to which the
pair of traits applies to him/her, even if one characteristic applies more strongly than the other.
I see my child as:
Disagree Disagree Neither Agree a Agree Agree strongly moderately a little agree nor little moderately strongly Extroverted, enthusiastic . 1 . 2………… 3 . …… 4 . 5………. 6……………. 7 Critical, quarrelsome . 1 . 2………… 3 . …… 4 . 5………. 6……………. 7 Dependable, self-disciplined . 1 . 2………… 3 . …… 4 . 5………. 6……………. 7 Anxious, easily upset . 1 . 2………… 3 . …… 4 . 5………. 6……………. 7 Open to new experiences, complex . 1 . 2………… 3 . …… 4 . 5………. 6……………. 7 Reserved, quiet . 1 . 2………… 3 . …… 4 . 5………. 6……………. 7 Sympathetic, warm . 1 . 2………… 3 . …… 4 . 5………. 6……………. 7 Disorganized, careless . 1 . 2………… 3 . …… 4 . 5………. 6……………. 7 Calm, emotionally stable . 1 . 2………… 3 . …… 4 . 5………. 6……………. 7 Conventional, uncreative . 1 . 2………… 3 . …… 4 . 5………. 6……………. 7
Now I’d like to ask you some questions about the Child’s education

C. CHILD’S EDUCATION – PAST AND CURRENT

C1a. What class did / will <child> start in September 2011?
5th Class . 1 Go to C1b
6th Class . 2 Go to C1b
First Year . 3 Go to C1b
Second Year . 4 Go to C1b
Child is being home schooled. . 5 Go to C7
Child attends a special school . 6 Go to C1b
Child no longer attends school . 7 Go to C10

C1b. What school does <child> attend / will attend from September 2011?
Name of school: __________________________________
Full address of school: _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
C1c. In what year did <child> start primary school? September 20_ _
C1d. [Card C1d] How would you describe <child’s> current base class – the one they will be in from September
2011? (Tick one box)

Special class . 1
Class which is mixed ability / randomly allocated . 2 Higher stream class in streamed school . 3 Middle stream class in streamed school . 4 Lower stream class in streamed school . 5 Not sure / don’t know . 6

[ONLY ASK IF CHILD IS IN 2nd YEAR AT C1a, THEN GO TO C5]
C2. [Card C2] Here are some views about how your child settled into their new school. There are no right or
wrong answers. For each statement please tick ONE BOX ONLY to show whether you agree or disagree with
these views.

Strongly Agree
Neither agree Disagree Strongly
nor disagree
disagree
My child settled well into secondary school. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child missed old friends from primary school. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child was anxious about making new friends. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child coped well with the school work. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child made new friends . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child is involved in extra-curricular activities. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child gets too much homework at this school. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 [ONLY ASK IF CHILD IS IN 1st YEAR AT C1a, THEN GO TO C4b]
C3. [Card C3] Here are some views about how your child is settling into their new school. There are no right or
wrong answers. For each statement please tick ONE BOX ONLY to show whether you agree or disagree with
these views.

Strongly Agree
Neither agree Disagree Strongly
nor disagree
disagree
My child is settling in well into secondary school . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child misses old friends from primary school. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child is anxious about making new friends. 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child is coping well with the school work. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child has made new friends . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child is involved in extra-curricular activities. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child gets too much homework at this school. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5

[ONLY ASK IF CHILD IS IN 5th / 6th CLASS AT C1a, THEN GO TO C5]
C4a. [Card C4a] If your child is still in fifth / sixth class for each statement please tick ONE BOX ONLY to show
whether you agree or disagree with these views.

Strongly Agree
Neither agree Disagree Strongly
nor disagree
disagree
My child is excited about starting secondary school . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child is looking forward to making new friends. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 My child is nervous about moving to a new school . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5

C4b. Has <child> attended an Open Day at his/her new school Yes .

C5. [Card C5] Over the last 12 months, have you had any contact with the school? (Please include contact you
have had with the child’s current school or any other school the child attended in the last 12 months) [Please tick
‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to each.]

A. You have attended a parent-teacher meeting . B. You have attended a school concert, play or other event (such as sports day) . 1 . 2
C. You have been to see the principal or another teacher about child’s
behaviour or school performance . 1 . 2
D. You have spoken to the principal or another teacher on the phone
about child’s behaviour or school performance . 1 . 2
C6a. [Card C6a] Looking at Card C6a, during the last 12 months, about how many days was <child> absent from
school for any reason? (Only include days the child was absent when the school was open e.g. do not include
days missed because of the school being closed due to bad weather).
0 days . 1

C6b. [Card C6b] Looking at Card C6b, what was the main reason for <child> being absent from school?
Health reasons (illness or injuries) . 1
Difficulties with childcare arrangements . 10 A fear of school (school phobia) . 6 Other Suspended from school . 7

C7. [Card C7] Looking at Card C7, how much time does <child> usually spend doing homework on a weekday
during term time?

0 to 30 minutes . 1
C8a. How often do you or your spouse/partner provide help with <child>’s homework? Would you say…[INT:
READ OUT]
Nearly Always
Regularly
Now and Again
Never Never gets homework

C8b. Why is that?
Child doesn’t
I / We don’t
I / We are not
Child doesn’t
Someone else
need help
have time
able to help
want help

C9. [Card C9] Looking at Card C9, taking everything into account, how far do you expect <child> will go in his/her
education or training?

C10. About how many close friends does <child> have?
None . 1

C11. To your knowledge, has <child> been a victim of bullying in the last 3 months?

C12. [Card C12] Looking at Card C12, what form did the bullying take? [Int. tick all that apply]
A. Physical bullying . 1 F. Sexual comments . 6
B. Verbal bullying (name calling, hurtful slagging). . 2 G. Exclusion (being left out). . 7 C. Electronic (phone messaging, emails, Facebook, etc) . 3 H. Gossip, spreading rumours . 8 D. Graffiti/pinning up notes/passing notes in class . 4 I. Threatened or forced to do things s/he didn’t want to 9 E. Taking /damaging personal possessions . 5 J. Other (specify)_____________________________ 10

C13. [Card C13] How often did the bullying take place?
A. Once or twice . 1
B. 2 or 3 times a month . 2
D. Several times a week . 4

C14. Did this upset your child?

A. A lot . 1
C. Not at all . 3
C15. [Card C15] Does <child> have any of the following conditions or disabilities? [Tick all that apply]
a. Physical disability or visual or hearing impairment . 1
b. Specific learning disability (e.g. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia) . 2
c. General learning disabilities (Mild, Moderate, Severe/Profound) . 3
d. Autism Spectrum Disorders (e.g. Austism, Aspergers syndrome) . 4
e. Emotional or behavioural disorders (e.g. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)/ ADD) . 5
f. Mental health difficulty . 6
g. Speech or language difficulty (including speech impediment) . 7
h. Assessed Syndrome (e.g. Down Syndrome, Tourettes Syndrome) . 8
i. Slow progress (reasons unclear) . 9
j. Other (please specify) . 10
k. None of the above . 11 Go to C24


C16. Has this condition or disability been diagnosed by a medical professional?
Yes

C17. What age was <child> when this condition or disability was first diagnosed? _____________ years
[INT: If condition or disability was diagnosed at time of birth, code as ‘0’]

Ask C18 only of respondents who ticked yes at C15e
C18. Has <child> been prescribed any medication for this condition (e.g. Ritalin, Abilify etc…)?
Ask C19 only of respondents who ticked yes at C15f
C19. Has <child> been prescribed any medication for this condition?
Ask C20 only of respondents who ticked yes at C15G
C20. [Card C20] In which areas does <child> have difficulties? What speech problems does <child> have?
[TICK ALL THAT APPLY]
I. Lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain letter combinations . 9
C21. [Card C21] Please indicate if <child> receives support from any of the following IN SCHOOL
[Tick all that apply]
In School
Resource Teaching/ Learning Support . 1 Behavioural Management Programme . 7 Technical Assistance . 3 National Educational Psychological Service . 9 Transport Service . 5 Doesn’t receive any supports . 11 C22. [Card C22] Please indicate if <child> receives support from any of the following OUTSIDE SCHOOL
[Tick all that apply]
Outside School

Speech and Language Therapist . 1
Other (please specify) __________________ . 7
C23. In general, how adequate are the supports <child> receives for this/these condition(s) or disability(ies)?

Barely adequate . 1
Adequate . 2
Excellent . 3
Doesn’t receive any supports. 4
C24. How many books does <child> have access to in the home? Would you say…[INT: READ OUT]

None . 1
C25. [Card C25] On a normal weekday, during term-time, about how much time does <child> spend using the
computer. Please include time before school as well as time after school. DO NOT include time spent using
computers in school.
None . 1

C26. [Card C26] On a typical weekday, who, if anyone, minds <child> between the time they finish school and
6pm in the evening? (Tick one only; if more than one indicate the type of care where <child> spends MOST time
or is the most frequently used)

They come home and take care of themselves . 1 Minded at home by you or your spouse/partner . 3 Minded at home by another adult (not a relative). 5 D: FAMILY CONTEXT
Now some questions about your relationship with <Child>.
D1. [Show Card D1] Looking at Card D1, I am going to read out some statements about the relationship between
you and your child. Please listen to each statement and describe the degree to which each of the following
statements currently applies.
A. I share an affectionate, warm relationship with my child. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 B. My child and I always seem to be struggling with each other. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 C. If upset, my child will seek comfort from me. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 D. My child is uncomfortable with physical affection or touch from me. 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 E. My child values his/her relationship with me. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 F. When I praise my child, he/she beams with pride. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 G. My child spontaneously shares information about himself/herself . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 H. My child easily becomes angry at me. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 I. It is easy to be in tune with what my child is feeling. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 J. My child remains angry or is resistant after being disciplined . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 K. Dealing with my child drains my energy. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 L. When my child is in a bad mood, I know we're in for a long and difficult day. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 M. My child's feelings toward me can be unpredictable or can change suddenly. . N. My child is sneaky or manipulative with me. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 O. My child openly shares his/her feelings and experiences with me. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5
D2. [Card D2] The following are some questions on your knowledge of what <child> does in his/her free time,
where he/she goes, and who he/she has as friends.
Almost never Not very Sometimes Often Almost
always or
A. Do you know what <child> does with his/her free time. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 B. Do you know who he/she has as friends during his/her free time. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 C. Do you usually know what type of homework he/she has. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 D. Do you know what he/she spends his/her money on . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 E. Do you know when he/she has a test or homework due at school. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 F. Do you know how he/she does in different subjects at school. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 G. Do you know where he/she goes when out at night with friends . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 H. Do you know where he/she goes and what he/she does after school. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 I. How often in the last month have you had no idea where he/she was. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6
D3. [CARD D3] The following are some questions about how much <child> actually tells you about what he/she is
doing, without being asked.

Almost never Not very Sometimes Often Almost
always or
A. Does he/she spontaneously tell you about his/her B. Does he/she want to tell you about school (how subjects are going; relationships with teachers etc). . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 C. Does he/she keep a lot of secrets from you about what he/she is doing in his/her spare time . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 D. Does he/she hide a lot from you about what he/she is doing during nights and weekends . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 E. Does he/she like to tell you what he/she has been doing and where he/she went when out for the evening. . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6
D4. [Show Card D4] Looking at Card D4, now I’d like to ask you about the time <child> spends with you including
times when others are present. How many days per week do you:

Every day / 7
3 to 6 days
1 to 2 days
1 to 2 times Rarely or
days per week
per month

A. Sit down to eat together . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5
B. Play sports, cards or games together . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 C. Talk about things together . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 D. Do household activities together (e.g. gardening, cooking, cleaning, etc) . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 E. Go on an outing together (e.g. going to the
cinema, theatre, walking, shopping) . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5

D5. [Show Card D5] Looking at Card D5, how often does <child> get together with, see or spend time with the
following people (excluding those living in your home)

Quite a lot
Now and again Rarely
Live Abroad Doesn’t have
D. Other family members/ close family friends . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5

D6. [Show Card D6] I would now like to ask some questions about <child’s> behaviour over the last 12 months.
Please tell me the extent to which the following statements apply:

Not at all
2-5 times 6 or more times
A. Often started fights or bullies, threatens or intimidates others . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 B. Has used a weapon that could cause serious physical harm to others (eg, a bat, brick, broken bottle, knife) . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 C. Has been physically cruel to other people . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 D. Has been physically cruel to animals . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 E. Deliberately destroyed or damaged property . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 F. Has broken into someone else’s house, building or car . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 G. Has lied to obtain goods or favours (i.e., ‘cons’ others) . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 H. Has stolen items of value without confronting a victim (e.g., shoplifting, but without breaking and entering) . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 I. Has stayed out at night despite parental prohibitions . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 J. Has run away from home overnight at least twice while living in parental home (or once for a lengthy period) . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 K. Has truanted from school . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4

Source: http://www.growingup.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/13_yr_Quests/Primary_Caregiver_Twin_questionnaire_13-year__13.07.11.pdf