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Published on: August 11, 2008
[Childhood Mental Health Problems in Primary Care]
Daniel Fatori1, Alexandra Brentani2, Sandra Josefina Ferraz Ellero Grisi2
1Departamento de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP). R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos 785, Cerqueira César. 05403-010 São Paulo SP Brasil. daniel.fatori@gmail.com.
Insights
A study found high rates of mental health problems in Sao Paulo children, with only a small percentage receiving treatment. This highlights a public health issue and the need for better identification and referral by healthcare professionals.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Primary Care Pediatrics
Background:
- Mental health problems (MHP) in children are a significant public health concern.
- Primary Healthcare Units (PHU) are crucial settings for early identification and intervention.
- Understanding MHP prevalence and service utilization in this demographic is essential for targeted public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of mental health problems in children aged 6-11 years attending PHUs in Sao Paulo.
- To describe the patterns of health service utilization for these children.
- To identify gaps in mental health care access and treatment.
Main Methods:
- A population study involving caregivers of 825 children aged 6-11 years attending PHUs in Sao Paulo.
- Mental health problems were assessed using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire.
- Health service use was evaluated with an adapted version of the Client Receipt Inventory Children's version.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates for internalizing MHP were 30.7% and for externalizing MHP were 18.3%.
- Pediatricians were the most frequently consulted health professionals (56.7%), while psychologists were the most consulted mental health professionals (7.9%).
- Only 3 children were receiving medication for MHP, indicating low treatment rates.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of MHP in children within primary care, coupled with low treatment rates, represents a significant public health challenge.
- There is a critical need for enhanced training programs for healthcare professionals to improve the identification and referral of children with MHP.
- Strengthening mental health support within primary care settings is vital for addressing this public health issue.
Abstract:
The present population study aimed at identifying the prevalence of mental health problems (MHP) and describing health services use in a sample of children attending Primary Healthcare Units (PHU) in the city of Sao Paulo. Caregivers of 825 6-11 years old children were assessed. MHP were assessed with the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and health services use with an adapted version of the Client Receipt Inventory Children`s version. Prevalence of internalizing and externalizing MHP was 30.7% and 18.3%, respectively. Pediatricians were the most consulted health professional (56.7%) and psychologists the most consulted mental health professional (7.9%). Only 3 children were under medication treatment for MHP. The high prevalence of MHP among children in the primary care setting and the low rate of treatment constitute a public health problem. Training programs for health professionals are relevant to help identify and refer MHP cases.
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