Canberra mental health survey, 1971

In order to provide information for the planning of intervention and research in the field of mental health, a survey of Canberra residents was conducted. All members of selected households were surveyed using different data collection forms for adults, adolescents, children and infants. Data from adults included period of residence, reason for moving to Canberra, satisfaction with Canberra, social contacts, activities outside the home and organisational membership. Mental health factors included life satisfaction, life events, coping behaviour and social control. General health included regular treatment, symptoms of psychiatric disturbance, use of drugs, consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine. Respondents also provided an assessment of their ability to perform in roles such as housework, job, study, marriage and parenthood. Background variables included sex, age, religion, suburb, marital status, work status, occupation, father's occupation, education, country of birth, length of residence and income. Adolescents provided similar data using a shortened form which excluded aspects such as moving details, some social support data, leisure activities and some life events. It included experience of specific adolescent problems. Data on children and infants was volunteered by parents. For children this included health and development problems. For infants immunisation status, general health status and general worries concerning the child were of interest.