Established in 2000, CAHRU is dedicated to improving understanding of child and adolescent health in Scotland.
Cross-national comparisons and evaluation of health-related programmes and interventions are core aspects of our work and particular attention is given to young people's perceptions and the influence of social context. The effects of family, peers, socioeconomic circumstances and school are considered in relation to key determinants of health including physical activity, smoking, risk behaviours and mental health. The Unit has an important role as the International Coordinating Centre of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) World Health Organisation Collaborative Cross-national Study, which at present involves 45 countries across Europe and North America.