Mental disorders prevalence among female caregivers of children in a cohort study in Salvador, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: The caregiver-child relationship is important for child development. The prevalence of mental disorders was assessed in a female caregiver group and associated with socioenvironmental factors. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in 326 caregivers whose children have been participating in a cohort study on mental development since 1999. Results: The overall prevalence of mental disorders assessed according to the CIDI version 2.1 was 47.5% (95% CI 0.42-0.53). They were predominantly anxiety disorders (32.8%; 95%CI 0.27-0.38), followed by mood disorders (26.1%; 95%CI 0.21-0.31) and psychoactive substance abuse (10.1%; 95%CI 0.07-0.13). Anxiety and mood disorders were less likely in younger caregivers and substance abuse disorder was less likely among those better educated. Discussion: The overall prevalence was similar to previous estimates, although 32.8% of anxiety disorders exceeded previous findings, which is unsurprising in a female sample. Conclusions: Younger caregivers with higher schooling were more likely to have better mental health, which favors child development.