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. Method: 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. Conclusion: 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.