Morbidity, physical growth and psychopathology in marginal populations in suburban areas
Pedro-Gil, J.; López Andreu, J.A.; Loño, J.; Nieto, A.; Lázaro, C.; Langa, M.N.; Nores, D.; Picazo, A.; Herrera, M.A.
Anales Espanoles de Pediatria 36(Suppl 48): 118-123
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0302-4342 PMID: 1636946 Document Number: 394990
Aspects of the morbidity, growth, and psychopathology were studied in 186 children living in the barrio of La Coma, a marginal urban zone of Valencia. The children were compared with 100 controls randomly selected at the emergency room of the La Fe Children's Hospital. The barrio of La Coma contained around 5000 low income and disadvantaged residents. 46% of the population was under 16 and 20% were gypsies. Parents or grandparents of the 186 subjects and 100 controls were interviewed in 1991. 2 groups of 55 subjects and 100 controls aged 12- 14 were formed for the study of mental health. 2 questionnaire scales measuring children's anxiety levels were used, the "State Trait Anxiety Inventory of Children" and the "Children's Anxiety Scale". The "Children's Depression" questionnaire scale was used to measure symptoms of depression, and a scale test was used to obtain personality profiles. Both groups were similar in age, sex, and birth place. The control group had a significantly higher average duration of residence in the current location, 14.46 years vs. 3.86 years. The subject children were significantly less likely to have health coverage and more likely to live in female-headed households. The average educational level of the subject children's parents was lower, they were less likely to own their homes, and they had significantly fewer consumer goods such as telephones, automobiles, and televisions. None of the control children lived in households affected by drug addiction, prostitution, delinquency, or alcoholism, but 13.2% of subject children had at least one family member with one of these conditions. Control children were significantly more likely to have received prenatal care and to be completely vaccinated. No significant differences were observed in rates of prematurity or low birth weight, initiation of breastfeeding, dental caries in children over 15 months old, incidence of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, weight, or anxiety. Control children were significantly taller than subject children. Subject children had significantly higher rates of depression and of personality disorders and overall psychological pathology.