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

TLDR

A two‑stage probability survey of Puerto Rican children aged 4–16 used the Child Behavior Checklist for screening and clinical diagnoses plus functional impairment scales to estimate maladjustment prevalence. The study identified demographic correlates and comorbidity patterns of DSM‑III maladjustment domains, and prevalence rates highlighted a major public health problem given limited mental‑health services.

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, including<i>DSM-III</i>diagnosis and a scale of functional impairment. Data were provided on the demographic correlates of maladjustment and on the comorbidity of<i>DSM-III</i>diagnostic domains. The prevalence rates obtained vis-a-vis the availability of mental health services on the island reflected a major public health problem.