Family violence in childhood, sociodemographic and ethnic-racial factors, and the occurrence of externalizing behavioral problems in adolescence

Abstract

Introduction:  Characterized by aggressive behavior and violation of rules, externalizing behavioral problems (ECP) in adolescence are highly prevalent in developing countries such as Brazil, where socioeconomic disadvantages predominate in certain ethnic-racial groups.

Objective:  To investigate whether there are associations between exposure to family violence in childhood, sociodemographic factors, race/skin color and degree of biogeographic ancestry, and the prevalence of ECP in adolescence.

Methods:  A cross-sectional study carried out with 755 adolescents living in Salvador-BA. The Youth Self Report, Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scales and a sociodemographic questionnaire were applied. Race/color was self-declared and degree of biogeographic ancestry was measured by DNA samples. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used, adopting a confidence interval (CI) of 95%.

Results:  The prevalence of PCE was 35.23%, remaining strongly associated at statistical significance levels in the final model of multivariate logistic regression with the female gender (odds ratio — OR=2.08; 95%CI 1.51–2.86), frequent exposure to physical abuse in childhood (OR=3.15; 95%CI 2.21–4.48). In the same direction, but with less strength than the other variables, we saw the monthly family income less than or equal to one minimum wage (OR=1.49; 95%CI 1.00–2.26).

Conclusion:  In view of these results, it is necessary to implement actions to prevent ECP and prioritize assistance to adolescents affected by these problems.

Keywords:
child abuse; health of ethnic minorities; mental health