| Grant number: | 14/13864-6 |
| Support type: | Regular Research Grants |
| Duration: | February 01, 2015 - January 31, 2017 |
| Field of knowledge: | Health Sciences - Collective Health |
| Principal Investigator: | Alicia Matijasevich Manitto |
| Grantee: | Alicia Matijasevich Manitto |
| Home Institution: | Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil |
| Assoc. researchers: | Aluísio Jardim Dornellas de Barros ; Iná da Silva dos Santos |
Abstract
Mental disorders and substance use are among the leading causes of years lost due to disability. These problems often begin in the adolescence, persist throughout the life cycle, are associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes in adulthood and may even jeopardize the well-being of future generations. Environmental, genetic, biological and behavioral determinants have been investigated in order to understand the etiology and natural history of mental disorders and substance use among population groups from high-income countries, but little research has been carried out in low- and middle-income countries. The main objectives of the present project are: (1) to assess the frequency and risk factors of mental disorders and tobacco and alcohol consumption in the early adolescence (age 11 years); (2) to assess impairment of executive functions among individuals with mental disorders and among those who reported tobacco and alcohol consumption and (3) to elucidate the mediator role of the executive functions in the associations between early risk factors and mental and substance use disorders. We will evaluate approximately 3600 adolescents from a Brazilian population-based birth cohort study. Cohort members have been followed-up with high response rates at regular intervals since birth. The results of this project will contribute to outline recommendations and develop preventive strategies to reduce mental health problems in adolescence and their medical and social consequences in adulthood. (AU)