Factores protectores y de riesgo en salud mental en niños y adolescentes de la ciudad de Calama

Abstract

Objective: to determine the psychological reality of the child and adolescent population in the Municipal schools in the city of Calama. Methods and patients: Representive samples of students from 4th grade junior high to 4th grade high attending Municipal schools in Calama. A total of 1,069 students, 543 males and 526 females were studied. A questionnaire of protective and risk factors in mental health for adolescents between 11 and 18 years, a psychopathological questionnaire for adolescents, of infant depression (CDI) and of ideation and suicide attempts were used. Results: predominant risk factors were; decreased social skills and sense of belonging to a group, low self concept/esteem and irregular family situation. The more frequent protective factors were: expectations of the future, absence of social risk conducts, absence of alcohol and drug risks, absence of risks of sexual conduct and absence of maltreatment. In the psychopathological questionnaire 191 (36.6%) of females were positive compared with 121 (22.2%) in males. In this group the predominant risk factors are lack of belonging to a group and low self esteem/concept. Suicidal ideation lay between 6.4% and 14,6% depending on how the question was phrased, 18% had committed 1 or more suicide attempts. The 247 individuals with a declared suicide ideation had positive CDI scores. Conclusions: In the early life of the child, within the family and later in school, interventional methods can be used to stimulate protective and reduce risk factors.