Estimating the numbers of children of problematic drug users and their residential circumstances to inform United Kingdom research, policy and practice

• DOI: 10.3109/09687630902960314
• Publication Date: 2010-08-26T09:25:09Z
• Authors: Paul Duffy; Claire Shaw; Kerry Woolfall; Caryl M. Beynon
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 05 social sciences; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; 3. Good health

Aims: To estimate the number of children problematic drug users (PDU) in Cheshire and Merseyside (England) 2007/08 their residential circumstances using two national monitoring systems, to assess suitability these systems for this purpose.Methods: The proportions PDU reporting numbers were calculated (e.g. zero–40%, 1 child–20%) three datasets (National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS), Interventions Programme (DIP) DIP/NDTMS amalgamated). Indirect standardization was used Merseyside. proportion overall population under 16 years old who are calculated. Residential examined DIP data.Results: estimated total residing 14,517 24,552 19,029 (amalgamated dataset); 3.3% 5.3% 4.3% dataset) 16-year olds. Children male female had different profiles.Conclusions: Findings illustrate substantial potential burden care on services family members. Inconsistencies data collection mean use produce estimates need further consideration.