Abstract
Background: This study used DSM-IV criteria to analyse reports from teachers and parents and to compare behavioural and emotional symptoms in Spanish preschool children from both urban and rural populations. Method: The field survey was conducted in two geographical areas in Catalonia (Spain). A sample of 1104 children (56.67% boys and 43.32% girls) aged 3-6 years participated in this study: 697 were from urban areas and 408 from rural ones. The Early Childhood Inventory - teachers' and parents' versions (ECI-4) [Gadow KD, Sprafkin J (1997) - was used as the screening instrument. Results: The teachers' and parents' reports assigned 32.7 and 46.7%, respectively, to one or more ECI-4 categories. Significant differences between sexes were found in teachers' reports. The whole disorders were significantly more prevalent in the urban sample than in the rural one (30.6 vs. 20.3%). The most prevalent disorders in both areas were Anxiety Disorders and Behavioural Problems, and the least prevalent were Mood Disorders and Autistic Disorders. Conclusions: The findings indicate that there are some differences in the prevalence rates of preschool psychopathological disorders between rural and urban Spanish areas. © Steinkopff Verlag Darmstadt 2006.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 386-393 |
Journal | Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology |
Volume | 41 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 May 2006 |
Keywords
- DSM-IV symptoms
- Epidemiology
- Preschool
- Rural area
- Urban area