Psychiatric Symptomatology is Associated with Polydrug Use and School Violence in Early Adolescence

Author(s)

Garcia-Cerde, Rodrigo ^[1] ; Lopes de Oliveira, Camila W. ^[2] ; Ferreira-Junior, Valdemir ^[2] ; Caetano, Sheila Cavalcante ^[2] ; Sanchez, Zila M. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Med Prevent, Rua Botucatu 740, 4 Andar, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Psiquiatria, Rua Borges Lagoa, 570-1 Andar, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHILD PSYCHIATRY & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT; AUG 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

This study investigated the association between psychiatric symptoms and polydrug use, school violence, and sociodemographic factors among Brazilian early adolescents. Using the baseline data collection from the effectiveness evaluation of PROERD, a school-based drug use prevention program, implemented in 30 public schools in Sao Paulo (n = 2316, M age = 12.3 years, 48.5% girls), multinomial logistic regressions were performed using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) subscales as response variables, and polydrug use, school violence, and sociodemographic characteristics as explanatory variables. In most SDQ subscales, girls and older students were more likely to have psychiatric symptoms. A positive association was identified between polydrug use and psychiatric symptoms. It was found that those who suffered and perpetrated physical violence had a greater likelihood of presenting psychiatric symptoms. Preventive interventions should consider the greater vulnerability related to the mental health of girls, older students, and those who suffer and perpetrate physical violence at school. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/04022-5 - Prevention of bullying and school violence: randomized controlled trial of Educational Program for Resistance to Drugs and Violence (PROERD) of the Military Police of the State of São Paulo
• Grantee: Valdemir Ferreira Júnior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master