[The Child and Adolescent Health Survey as a source of data for assessment of the essential aspects of health care in childhood and adolescence].

The German National Health Survey for Children and Adolescents aims at collecting representative data on the health status of the population in the 0 to 18 years age bracket. Examination of about 18.000 participants is planned. In this cross-sectional study relevant data concerning health services will be gathered. These include parameters of health care demands, health insurance, vaccination status and drug utilisation. The data collection will start in the first quarter of 2003 and will probably be terminated in the last quarter of 2005. The study design has been tested in a pilot study for one year and was adapted to the demands of this specific health survey. The instruments used for data collection are a self-administered questionnaire as well as a standardised, computer-based medical interview.