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4363.0.55.001 - Australian Health Survey: Users' Guide, 2011-13  
Latest ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 07/12/2012   
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Contents >> Health risk factors >> Family stressors

FAMILY STRESSORS


Definition

Family stressors were defined as life events that may have been a problem for the respondent or anyone close to them in the 12 months prior to interview. These life events include:

  • serious illness;
  • serious accident;
  • death of family member or close friend;
  • mental illness;
  • serious disability;
  • divorce or separation;
  • not able to get a job;
  • involuntary job loss;
  • alcohol or drug related problems;
  • witness to violence;
  • abuse or violent crime;
  • trouble with the police;
  • gambling problem; or,
  • other.

More than one response was allowed.


Population

Information was obtained for persons aged 15 years and over in the NHS survey.


Methodology

Respondents were asked whether they, a family member or friend had experienced problems from any of the events listed above, and if so, which ones. If a respondent had experienced a stressful event that was not listed, they were able to specify the event. If more than one unlisted stressful event was experienced, the respondent was asked to indicate the main event.


Data items

The data items and related output categories for this topic will be available in Excel spreadsheet format from the Downloads page of this product.


Interpretation

Points to be considered in interpreting data for this topic include the following:
  • 'anyone close to you' could refer to a family member, a friend or anyone else the respondent felt was close to them;
  • the effects of the event should have been felt by the respondent themselves, either directly or through a family member or friend who was experiencing the problem;
  • the effects of the problem must have been felt in the 12 months prior to interview, even if the problem occurred more than 12 months ago; and,
  • the interest was in the respondent's perception of whether the stressors had been a problem for them or not.


Comparability with 2007-08

Family stressors are considered directly comparable between the 2007-08 and 2011-12 surveys.

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