Across-sectional study was conducted in an urban low-income community in the municipality of Embu-SP with the objective of identifying factors associated with mental health problems of children and adolescents (MHPCA) in a probabilistic sample (N=67, aged 4-17 years). Standardized instruments were applied to mothers: Child Behavior Checklist; WorldSAFE Core Questionnaire (demographics, domestic violence, father/stepfather drunkenness); Self-Report Questionnaire (maternal mental health problems and suicide ideation). The results of this study identified factors statistically related to MPHCA: child/adolescent of male gender and severe physical punishment; maternal suicide ideation and severe physical marital violence; father/stepfather drunkenness. As a result, vulnerable groups with individual/family characteristics identified in this study should have priority in prevention/treatment programs.
mental health; risk factors; child; adolescent; cross-sectional studies
