Mental health and quality of life in pre- and early adolescents: a school-based study in two contrasting urban areas.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of mental health problems and to assess the quality of life in pre- and early adolescents living in two contrasting urban areas in Brazil, as well as to identify the impact of demographic factors on mental health, quality of life and school performance.


METHODS
Using school samples, the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Quality of Life Inventory were administered to 424 (52%) boys and 387 (48%) girls (mean age 12.6+/-1.3 years) in better-off central and poorer outer-city areas.


RESULTS
In the total sample, the prevalence of probable psychiatric cases was 10.1% (n=77). There were no significant differences in the overall prevalence of behavior problems or global quality of life between central and outer-city areas. However, boys from the outer-city had a higher prevalence of conduct problems (12% vs. 6.2%, p=0.04), although girls did not differ significantly on any measure. In general, factors associated with poorer mental health were: having no religion, divorced parents, and being male.


CONCLUSIONS
Living in the poorer outer-city was not associated with worse mental health or quality of life in this sample. This is in contrast with the findings of some other studies, and possible protective factors such as female gender and religion are discussed.
Cucchiaro
Giulietta
G
Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil. cucchiaro@uol.com.br
Dalgalarrondo
Paulo
P
D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011203:Poverty; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012067:Religion; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D014504:Urban Health; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*