Increase in child behavior problems among urban Brazilian 4‐year olds: 1993 and 2004 Pelotas birth cohorts

• DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12236
• Publication Date: 2014-04-16T11:44:59Z
• Authors: Alicia Matijasevich; Elizabeth Murray; Alan Stein; Luciana Anselmi; Ana M. Menezes; Iná S. Santos; Aluísio J.D. Barros; Denise P. Gigante; Fernando C. Barros; Cesar G. Victora
• Keywords: Male; Urban Population; 4. Education; 1. No poverty; Child Behavior; Original Articles; Child Behavior Disorders; Cohort Studies; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Socioeconomic Factors; Risk Factors; Child, Preschool; Humans; Family; Female; Brazil

Background There are an increasing number of reports on time trends in child and adolescent psychological problems but none from low‐ middle‐income countries, very few covering the preschool period. The aim was to investigate changes behavioral/emotional two birth cohorts a country born 11 years apart. Methods We analyzed data 1993 2004 Pelotas cohort studies Brazil. A subsample 4‐year olds (634) all (3750) were assessed for through maternal report using Child Behavior Checklist ( CBCL ). Response rates these population‐based above 90%. Results found significant increase total problems, internalizing externalizing mean scores over 11‐year For cohorts, respectively, values SE ) 27.9 (0.8) 34.7 (0.3); scores, 5.7 (0.2) 6.3 (0.1) 12.4 (0.4) 15.5 (0.1). After adjusting confounding variables, largest identified aggressive behavior syndrome score (Cohen's d = .50), followed by problem .40) .36), respectively. rise more marked children families with fewer assets less educated mothers. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence substantial behavioral among Brazil