Siberian child and adolescent mental health: prevalence estimates and psychosocial factors.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of child and adolescent mental health problems in Siberia and to investigate the effects of psychosocial factors.

STUDY

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study with the stratified randomised sample of schoolchildren provided prevalence estimates. Second study involved 1,382 adolescent self-reports and 1,864 parent reports of three through 17 year old children.

METHODS

Psychopathology measure was the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, in the first study it was supplemented by psychiatric assessment. Psychosocial factors included measures of child close and distant environment.

RESULTS

Prevalence of psychiatric disorder in Siberian children is around 15-20%; emotional and behavioural disorders are the two most common categories. Psychosocial factors explained around 15% of internalising problems, and up to 30% of externalising problems. Harsh parenting was a risk factor; intact family, parent's education, family cohesion and safe neighbourhood contributed to the lower level of problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of child psychiatric problems in Siberia is higher than in the developed countries; the type of the problems is similar to other countries. Life style factors were more powerful predictors than measures of socio-economic status. Prevention should be aimed at identified risk factors and disadvantaged children.