[The Child and Adolescent Health Survey: collection of health behavior data from parents and children].

The first German Health Survey for Children and Adolescents will start in 2003. During three years, a representative sample of children and adolescents between 0 and 18 years of age shall be examined and will, together with their parents, be interviewed on health-relevant issues. With this survey, health information on about 18,000 children will be gathered. The health behaviour of the parents as far as their children's health is concerned, as well as the personal health behaviour during adolescence will be assessed, since this will be highly relevant for future health. Questions on nutrition behaviour, eating disorders, alcohol consumption, smoking as well as leisure-time behaviour, with special emphasis on physical activity, will be asked. These questions were tested for feasibility in a one-year pilot study. With this survey, the occurrence of certain unhealthy behaviour characteristics may be documented and risk groups may be identified. This may help to conceptualize prevention measures.