[Morbidity, physical growth and psychopathology in marginal populations in suburban areas]

A comparative study between two distinctive groups of children documenting morbidity, physical growth and psychopathology was completed. 186 children belonging to a marginal and deprived suburban community from Valencia was defined as a experimental group (EG). 100 randomly selected children attending the emergency room of La Fe Children's Hospital was defined as control group (CG). Significant statistical differences were found between the two groups in: type and quality of prenatal care, vaccinations, low stature, depressive symptomatology and bizarre personality and behaviour. No significant statistical differences were found between the two groups in: breast feeding patterns, incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, weight, prematurity, low birth weight, caries and anxiety.