Influence of psychosocial risk factors on the trajectory of mental health problems from childhood to adolescence: a longitudinal study

Author(s)

Fatori, Daniel ^[1] ; Bordin, Isabel A. ^[2] ; Curto, Bartira M. ^[2] ; de Paula, Cristiane S. ^{[2, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Inst Psychiat, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Social Psychiat Div, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Prebiteriana Mackenzie, Dev Disorder Post Grad Program, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BMC Psychiatry; v. 13, JAN 17 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 18

Abstract

Background: Longitudinal epidemiological studies involving child/adolescent mental health problems are scarce in developing countries, particularly in regions characterized by adverse living conditions. We examined the influence of psychosocial factors on the trajectory of child/adolescent mental health problems (CAMHP) over time. Methods: A population-based sample of 6- to 13-year-olds with CAMHP was followed-up from 2002-2003 (Time 1/T1) to 2007-2008 (Time 2/T2), with 86 out of 124 eligible children/adolescents at T1 being reassessed at T2 (sample loss: 30.6%). Outcome: CAMHP at T2 according to the Child Behavior Checklist/CBCL's total problem scale. Psychosocial factors: T1 variables (child/adolescent's age, family socioeconomic status); trajectory of variables from T1 to T2 (child/adolescent exposure to severe physical punishment, mother exposure to severe physical marital violence, maternal anxiety/depression); and T2 variables (maternal education, child/adolescent's social support and pro-social activities). Results: Multivariate analysis identified two risk factors for child/adolescent MHP at T2: aggravation of child/adolescent physical punishment and aggravation of maternal anxiety/depression. Conclusions: The current study shows the importance of considering child/adolescent physical punishment and maternal anxiety/depression in intervention models and mental health care policies. (AU)