Publications
All peer reviewed publications are listed below.
Displaying page 23 of 24.
School playground climbing equipment - safe or unsafe? | 1982
Langley, J.D., Crosado, B.
New Zealand Medical Journal, 1982, 95(95), 540-542.
Our ref: NZ23
This report describes a survey of school playground climbing equipment. The majority of the equipment was considered to be unsafe because it was either too high or mounted over non impact absorbing surfaces. This paper led to revision of the New Zealand Standards for playgrounds.
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Relationships between dental health behaviour and oral health status of 5-year-old children: A report from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study | 1982
Evans, R.W., Silva, P.A., Beck,
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New Zealand Dental Journal, 1982, 78(78), 42675.
Our ref: NZ22
The management of dental caries by the dental profession is largely concerned with water fluoridation, the treatment of teeth affected by caries, health education in the fields of nutrition and oral hygiene, and the encouragement of early introduction to regular incremental care. Where water supplies are fluoridated a dramatic reduction in caries is apparent. Treatment and restoration of carious teeth by dentists and school dental nurses in a programme of regular incremental care has achieved a very high level of dental fitness among children and young adolescents in New Zealand. However, the supposed benefits of taking up better dental health behaviour patterns promoted by dental health education have not been widely investigated. It was clearly shown in the 1973 International Collaborative Study of Dental Manpower Systems by the World Health Organization' that considerable variations in oral health occur between countries and that some of this variation was due to factors other than fluoridation and the provision of dental services. During the dental survey of 5-year-old children in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study, the relationship between dental health behaviour advocated by the dental profession and the oral health of the children was investigated.
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Clinical assessment of the performance on the Basic Motor Ability Test of seven year old children | 1982
Wilson, J., Silva, P.A., Williams,
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Journal of Human Movement Studies, 1982, 8(8), 195-203.
Our ref: RO28
This paper describes some clinical aspects of motor performance and how these related to objective assessment on the Basic Motor Ability Test.
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A prospective study of the association between delayed motor development at ages three and five, and low intelligence and reading difficulties at age seven | 1982
Silva, P.A., McGee, R., Williams,
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Journal of Human Movement Studies, 1982, 8(8), 187-193.
Our ref: RO27
This study showed that early motor delays were predictive of later low intelligence and reading difficulties.
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The predictive significance of slow walking and talking | 1982
Silva, P.A., McGee, R., Williams,
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European (fmr Br) Journal of Disorders of Communication, 1982, 17(17), 133-139.
Our ref: RO26
This study found that, compared with children who were slow to talk, children who were slow to walk were a high risk group for later low intelligence or reading difficulties. This paper was summarised in the New Scientist.
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Childhood accidents - parents' attitudes to prevention | 1982
Langley J.D., Silva, P.A.
Australian Paediatric Journal, 1982, 18(18), 247-249.
Our ref: RO25
This study showed that neither a previous history of accidents nor socio-economic status was related to parental attitudes to accident prevention. Many parents viewed accidents as being beyond their control.
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The accident-prone child - the perpetration of a myth | 1982
Langley J.D.
Australian Paediatric Journal, 1982, 18(18), 243-246.
Our ref: RO24
This paper argues that the concept of accident proneness is a myth and that the widespread acceptance of the myth hinders the development of effective injury control measures.
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Breast-feeding and cognitive development in the first seven years of life | 1982
Fergusson, D.M., Beautrais, A.L., Silva,
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Social Science and Medicine, 1982, 16(16), 1705-1708.
Our ref: RO23
The relationship between previous breast-feeding practices and childhood intelligence and language development at ages 3, 5 and 7 years was examined in a birth cohort of New Zealand children. The results showed that even when a number of control factors including maternal intelligence, maternal education, maternal training in child rearing, childhood experiences, family socio-economic status, birth weight and gestational age were taken into account, there was a tendency for previous breast-fed children to have slightly higher test scores than bottle-fed infants. On average, previous breast-fed children scored approximately two points higher on scales with a standard deviation of 10 than bottle-fed infants when all control factors were taken into account. It was concluded that previous breast-feeding may be associated with very small improvements in intelligence and language development or, alternatively, that the differences may have been due to the effects of other confounding factors not entered into the analysis.
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Evidence of decrease in the prevalence of dental caries in New Zealand | 1982
Brown, R.H.
Journal of Dental Research, 1982, 61(61), 1327-1330.
Our ref: RO22
This paper reviews a number of dental studies, including the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, in order to describe the decrease in the prevalence of dental caries in New Zealand. Fluoridation of public water supplies and the widespread use of fluoride toothpastes were considered to be as important as the emphasis on preventive measures given by the school dental service.
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An assessment of motor ability in seven year olds | 1982
Wilson, J., Silva, P.A., Williams,
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Journal of Human Movement Studies, 1982, 7(7), 221-232.
Our ref: RO21
As part of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study, seven year old children were tested for motor co-ordination using the Basic Motor Ability Test (Arnheim & Sinclair 1974). Dunedin norms established for this test are presented and sex differences found in the performance of tests requiring different motor skills are described. Relationships between test items and a failure cut-off point are also presented.
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The growth and development of twins compared with singletons at ages five and seven. A follow-up report from The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study | 1982
Silva, P.A., McGee, R., Powell,
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Australian Paediatric Journal, 1982, 18(18), 35-36.
Our ref: RO20
This is a continuation of the study of twins and extends the findings reported in publication RO5. The physical growth and intelligence of the twins remained disadvantaged at ages five and seven but their language development and reading did not differ significantly from that of singletons. See RO70 for an update of twin's development at age 9 and 11.
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Some developmental and behavioural characteristics associated with bilateral otitis media with effusion | 1982
Silva, P.A., Kirkland, C., Simpson,
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Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1982, 15(15), 417-421.
Our ref: RO19
This paper shows that five year old children with bilateral otitis media with effusion were significantly disadvantaged in speech articulation ability, verbal comprehension, motor development, and intelligence and had significantly more behaviour problems than children with normal ears.
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Child behaviour and accidents | 1982
Langley, J.D., McGee, R., Silva,
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Journal of Paediatric Psychology, 1982, 8(8), 181-189.
Our ref: RO16
This study investigated the relationship between child accidents and behaviour problems. Although there were some significant associations, these were considered to be of little practical significance for those involved in injury control.
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A follow up of inattentive and/or hyperactive children from birth to 7 years of age | 1982
Chapel, J.L., Robins, A.J., McGee,
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Journal of Operational Psychiatry, 1982, 13(13), 17-26.
Our ref: RO14
This study describes the prevalence of Attention Deficit Disorder with and without hyperactivity at age three, identification of the problem, perinatal and background characteristics, characteristics differentiating between problem and non-problem children, and the stability of the problem to age seven.
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Immunisations in the fifth year of life: A report from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study | 1981
Silva, P.A., Williams, S.M., Stewart,
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New Zealand Medical Journal, 1981, 93(93), 180-181.
Our ref: NZ21
Of a sample of 988 Dunedin children whose mothers were interviewed after the children's fifth birthday, 7.4 percent had not received a combined diphtheria and tetanus booster and 10.6 percent had not received a rubella immunisation. Only 57.9 percent of mothers gave a correct answer to a question about why rubella immunisations are necessary, 17.0 percent gave a partially correct answer, and 25.1 percent were unable to answer the question correctly. There were no significant associations between immunisation status and maternal education level, socioeconomic status, or knowledge of the need for rubella immunisation in this sample. Knowledge of the need for immunisation was significantly associated with maternal educational background and socio-economic status. Strong and positive action to ensure greater immunisation coverage, such as suggested by Shannon and co-workers, is supported.
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The predictive validity of a simple two item developmental screening test for three year olds | 1981
Silva, P.A.
New Zealand Medical Journal, 1981, 93(93), 39-41.
Our ref: NZ20
A simple two item developmental screening test for three year old children is described, together with its predictive validity when used with 937 children being followed in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study. Data are presented to show that the test screened out 6.9 percent of the three year old children and more than half of them gained very low scores on at least one test of intelligence, motor or language development two years later. The screening test successfully identified from one half to three-quarters of all the children who gained very low five year scores in intelligence, motor or language development at age five. The two item screening test is recommended for use by doctors, nurses, teachers or social workers, as a simple method of identifying three year old children in need of further assessment because of suspected developmental delays.
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Accidental injuries in the sixth and seventh years of life: A report from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study | 1981
Langley, J.D., Silva, P.A., Williams,
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New Zealand Medical Journal, 1981, 93(93), 344-347.
Our ref: NZ19
Two hundred and thirty-two (22 percent) of a sample of 1072 children in their sixth and seventh years of life had 273 injuries. Thirty-seven of the children had two or more accidents and 20 children were admitted to hospital as a result of their injuries. Forty-four percent of all the injuries were described as open wounds and the most common site of injury was the head. Falls were the most common type of accident and accounted for 44 percent of all injuries. The most common fall was from playground equipment.
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Swimming abilities and experiences of seven year olds | 1981
Langley, J.D., Silva, P.A., Williams,
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New Zealand Journal of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 1981, 14(14), 45-46.
Our ref: NZ18
This report describes the swimming experiences and abilities of seven year olds.
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Primary school accidents | 1981
Langley, J.D., Silva, P.A., Williams,
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New Zealand Medical Journal, 1981, 94(94), 336-339.
Our ref: NZ17
Five hundred and eighteen Otago primary school accidents are described. Falls and accidents described as striking against or struck by a person or object, represented 82 percent of all the accidents. Nearly a third of all accidents resulted in fractures; the upper limb being the most common site of injury. Playthings and sports equipment were involved in over a quarter of the accidents. Of the accidents described, falls from playground equipment offer the best potential for the prevention of injury. Reprinted in the Newsletter of the International Association for the Child's Right to Play, Vol. 8, No. 4, February 1983, p. 7-11.
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Scalds to preschool children | 1981
Langley, J.D., Dodge, J.S., Silva,
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New Zealand Medical Journal, 1981, 93(93), 84-87.
Our ref: NZ16
A survey of scalds to 64 children under five years of age was undertaken. The results showed that there was a wide variety of circumstances which resulted in these injuries. The significance of developmental aspects is demonstrated, as is the need to modify the child's environment. Poor supervision was not a significant factor in the incidents described. The problems associated with implementing various preventive strategies are discussed. It is concluded that more attention needs to be given to improving the effectiveness of active countermeasures due to the lack of practical passive countermeasures.
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The role of dairy products in the New Zealand diet | 1981
Birkbeck, J.A.
New Zealand Medical Journal, 1981, 94(94), 386-389.
Our ref: NZ15
This paper describes and discusses the role of dairy products and other foods in the diets of New Zealand children and adults.
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The International Classification of Diseases codes for describing injuries and circumstances surrounding injuries: A critical comment and suggestions for improvement | 1981
Langley, J.D.
Accident Analysis and Prevention, 1981, 14(14), 195-197.
Our ref: RO15
This paper highlights some of the shortcomings of the International Classification of Diseases Codes for describing injuries and the circumstances surrounding them. It contains a number of suggestions for improvement, so that information recorded would be of more value for injury prevention programmes.
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Behavioural and psychiatric assessment of pre-term and full-term low birth weight children at 9-12 years of age | 1981
Simonds, J.F., Silva, P.A., Aston,
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Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics, 1981, 2(2), 82-88.
Our ref: RO13
This study reports on a behavioural and psychiatric assessment of children born in Missouri, Columbia, who were pre-term or full- term but low birth weight.
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Childhood accidents involving the electric jug - options for prevention | 1981
Langley, J.D., Silva, P.A.
Burns, 1981, 7(7), 1-6.
Our ref: RO12
Research involving scalds to children is described and some of the preventive options involving the electric jug are outlined.
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Hospital admissions during the first five years of life | 1980
Simons, B., Bradshaw, J., Silva,
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New Zealand Medical Journal, 1980, 91(91), 144-147.
Our ref: NZ14
Admissions to hospital experienced by 991 Dunedin children in the first five years of life are described. Changes in behaviour reported by the mothers as following these admissions were related to the age of the child, circumstances of admission, and extent of contact with parents. Twenty-seven percent of the children had been in hospital and 7% more than once. The majority of admissions were short, particularly for the older children, and parent contact was usual. The majority of admissions were not followed by reported changes in behaviour. Children between 13 and 36 months had the highest incidence of reported behaviour deterioration (25%). Children between 36 and 60 months had the highest incidence of improved behaviour (22%). These results are discussed in relationship to other research on the effects of admission to hospital on young children.
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A study of mothers' health | 1980
Dodge, J.S., Silva, P.A.
New Zealand Medical Journal, 1980, 91(91), 353-355.
Link to full publication »
Our ref: NZ13
The physical and mental health of the mothers of 991 children being examined in phase five of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study was assessed through two questionnaires which were designed to show changes in health status rather than to indicate defined disease. Less than one in five of the mothers gave no positive responses to the questionnaire on physical health and less than two in five gave no positive responses to the questionnaire on psychological health. The general level of health was lower than anticipated. Younger mothers showed more positive responses overall than older mothers and more frequent positive responses correlated significantly with family size and the presence of younger children in the family. It is considered that pressure of child rearing, especially in the larger families and in families with preschool aged children contribute to this lower health status.
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Dental health of 5 year old children: A report from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study | 1980
Evans, R.W., Beck D.J., Brown, R.H.
New Zealand Dental Journal, 1980, 76(76), 179-186.
Our ref: NZ12
The objectives of the DMHDS dental study were: to determine the dental health of the children; to obtain information on specific dental behaviours, the utilisation of the School Dental Service, and on parental attitudes towards dental matters; to study the bedtime eating habits of the children; to examine the relationship between dental health and developmental, behavioural, cultural, and social factors. This paper describes the first objective - dental health of the children, including dental caries, oral hygiene, and developmental anomalies; reports on the other objectives are to be presented subsequently.
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Skeletal maturity in seven year old Dunedin children | 1980
Birkbeck, J.A., Herbert C.M.
New Zealand Medical Journal, 1980, 92(92), 312-313.
Our ref: NZ11
A study of 433 boys' and 403 girls' left hand/wrist radiographs taken within 0.1 years of the child's seventh birthday shows that the median equivalent skeletal maturity using the TW 2 20-bone score is identical to the English standards, and the RUS score is only slightly above the standards. It is thus valid to use Tanner's standards when assessing New Zealand white children. The wide range of values in a healthy population is stressed.
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Anthropometric studies on Dunedin five and six year old children | 1980
Birkbeck, J.A., Guthrie, A.M.
New Zealand Medical Journal, 1980, 91(91), 331-334.
Our ref: NZ10
This paper describes stature, sitting height, Cormix index, height velocity, indices of body mass, skinfold measures, head circumference, and muscle mass measures taken on five and six year old children.
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Some factors contributing to intelligence at age of school entry | 1980
Silva, P.A., Bradshaw, J.
British Journal of Educational Psychology, 1980, 50(50), 11-16.
Our ref: RO9
The study described the contribution of a variety of variables to intelligence at age five.
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Experiences, activities and the preschool child | 1980
Silva, P.A.
Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 1980, 5(5), 13-19.
Our ref: RO8
This paper describes preschool children's experiences and activities and the relationship between these and a variety of measures of child development.
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The prevalence, stability and significance of developmental language delays in preschool children | 1980
Silva, P.A.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 1980, 22(22), 768-777.
Our ref: RO7
A sample of 937 children in Dunedin, New Zealand, was assessed at ages three and five years in order to estimate the nature, prevalence, stability and significance of developmental language delays in three-year-olds. Assessments included language development, intelligence, and fine and gross motor-co-ordination. Detailed results are given which described three types of language delay at age three: delayed verbal comprehension only, delayed verbal expression only, and delayed development in both aspects of language. Follow-up testing at age five indicated that the specific language delays were not highly stable, whereas delays in both aspects were highly stable. A large proportion of the latter children gained very low scores on the measures at age five, and they accounted for 84 per cent of all children with very low intelligence. The implications of the results for a screening programme to identify three-year-old children at high risk of later developmental delays are considered.
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A study of the relationship of ninety background, developmental, behavioural and medical factors to child hood accidents. A report from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study | 1980
Langley, J.D., Silva, P.A., Williams,
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Australian Paediatric Journal, 1980, 16(16), 244-247.
Our ref: RO6
This study showed that there were very few characteristics of the child that were significantly associated with injury occurrence.
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Motor co-ordination and childhood accidents | 1980
Langley, J.D., Silva, P.A., Williams,
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Journal of Safety Research, 1980, 12(12), 75-78.
Our ref: RO17
This study showed a positive correlation between motor co-ordination and number of accidents experienced by children. The size of the association, however, was not sufficiently large to be considered clinically significant.
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Gross motor development and delays in development in early childhood: Assessment and significance | 1980
Silva, P.A., Ross, B.
Journal of Human Movement Studies, 1980, 6(6), 9-24.
Our ref: RO11
This paper describes the modification and use of the Bayley Motor Scales at ages three and four and the McCarthy Leg Co-ordination Scale at ages five and six. Relationships between these measures of motor development and language development, intelligence, perceptual motor development, speech articulation, and early reading are presented.
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Some factors contributing to language development in three year old children | 1980
Silva, P.A., Fergusson, D.M.
European (fmr Br) Journal of Disorders of Communication, 1980, 15(15), 205-214.
Our ref: RO10
This paper reports a path analysis of the contribution of maternal mental ability, maternal education, socio-economic status, maternal training in child development, birth weight, and child experiences to verbal comprehension and verbal expression.
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Mode of delivery and developmental characteristics in a thousand Dunedin three year olds | 1979
Silva, P.A., Buckfield, P.M., Spears,
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New Zealand Medical Journal, 1979, 89(89), 79-81.
Our ref: NZ9
A study of 1037 representative Dunedin children delivered by a variety of modes was described. The results showed that there were no significant differences in maternal general mental ability, training in child development, or background of child experiences among the five delivery groups studied. Also, there were no significant differences between children who were spontaneous deliveries or any of the other groups in age at which the developmental milestones were achieved, nor in any of the developmental characteristics assessed.
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The significance of early delays in motor development | 1979
Silva, P.A.
New Zealand Journal of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 1979, 12(12), 18-20.
Our ref: NZ8
This early paper has now been superseded by a number of others (e.g. see RO26 and RO27).
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The Plunket Society: A consumer survey | 1979
Geddis, D.C., Silva, P.A.
New Zealand Medical Journal, 1979, 90(90), 507-509.
Our ref: NZ7
This paper reports findings from a survey of mothers of children in the Child Development Study with regard to their use of Plunket services and their opinions on various aspects that they believed required improvement.
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Three year old twins and singletons: A comparison of some perinatal, environmental, experiential and developmental characteristics | 1979
McDiarmid, J.McK., Silva, P.A.
Australian Paediatric Journal, 1979, 15(15), 243-247.
Our ref: RO5
This paper shows that three year old twins were disadvantaged in comparison with singletons. It presents evidence to show that these disadvantages were of perinatal rather than post natal origin. Follow up papers with results at ages five and seven are RO20, and age nine and eleven RO70.
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