Estimnates of the Prevalence of Childhood Maladjustment in a Community Survey in Puerto Rico

Authors:
  • GCGlorisa Canino
    Glorisa Canino
  • MRMaritza Rubio-Stipec
    Maritza Rubio-Stipec
  • MGMadelyn S. Gould
    Madelyn S. Gould
  • JRJulio Ribera
    Julio Ribera
  • MSMyrna Sesman
    Myrna Sesman
  • MWMichel Woodbury
    Michel Woodbury
  • SHSara Huertas-Goldman
    Sara Huertas-Goldman
  • APAnnette Pagan
    Annette Pagan
  • ASArturo Sanchez-Lacay
    Arturo Sanchez-Lacay
  • MMMargarita Moscoso
    Margarita Moscoso
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Abstract
• A two-stage epidemiologic survey was carried out on a probability sample of the population aged 4 through 16 years in Puerto Rico. The survey used the Child Behavior Checklist as a screening instrument, and prevalence rates were estimated on the basis of clinical diagnoses and other measures provided by child psychiatrists during the second stage. Maladjustment was operationally defined through the use of combined measures, includingDSM-IIIdiagnosis and a scale of functional impairment. Data were provided on the demographic correlates of maladjustment and on the comorbidity ofDSM-IIIdiagnostic domains. The prevalence rates obtained vis-a-vis the availability of mental health services on the island reflected a major public health problem.

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