The problem family and community medicine
Dax, E.C.; Hagger, R.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine 8(3): 267-275
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-8291 PMID: 279322 Document Number: 133750
The characteristics of problem families are described and especially their dependency upon the social services. They are of increasing importance to community medicine since as shown by the literature their members form 5--10% of the total population and use from 50--80% of the total social and corrective services. The social pathology of 16 root and 110 sub-families was investigated; enquiries have also been made into the family dynamics and especially child rearing, learning problems and ill health. Infections, injuries and childhood disorders are particularly frequent. There are administrative advantages in regarding these families as socially handicapped.