Mental health of adolescents in single-parent and non-single-parent families, in Metropolitan Lima 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20453/rnp.v89i3.5797Keywords:
mental health, adolescent, single-parent family, alcohol drinkingAbstract
Objective: To evaluate the association between single-parent and non-single-parent family types and the mental health of their adolescent members. Materials and Methods: The database from the Epidemiological Study of Mental Health in Metropolitan Lima and Callao - Replication 2012 was used. Associations between family type and factors related to mental health were assessed using Chi-square and Student's t-test statistical tests. Multivariate analysis (logistic and multiple linear regression) evaluated associations while controlling for the effects of age and sex. Results: The total sample consisted of 1,490 adolescents, out of whom 25.4% belonged to single-parent families, and 74.6% to non-single-parent families. No statistically significant association was found between the variables of mental disorders, quality of life, adolescent self-esteem, and family type (single-parent or non-single-parent). A significant association was found between at least one criterion for alcohol abuse in adolescents and their belonging to single-parent families (OR: 1.55, CI: 1.08-2.23). Conclusion: An association was found between single-parent families and alcohol abuse behaviors in adolescents, but not with mental disorders, quality of life, or self-esteem. Social intervention policies must consider single-parent families as a vulnerable group with potential implications for risk behaviors among their adolescent members.
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