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Presenter: Cristiane Silvestre de Paula, Ph.D., Federal University of São Paulo
Discussant/Mentor: Glorisa Canino, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico

Risk Factor Associated with Antisocial Behavior in Brazilian Adolescents From the Outskirts of São Paulo City

Authors: Cristiane Silvestre de Paula, Bartira Marques Curto,
                Rosimeire do Nascimento e Isabel AS Bordin

Background:
Antisocial behavior during adolescence contributes to several mental disorders in adulthood. In addition, antisocial behavior is associated to interpersonal conflict, family discord, unemployment, prison and violent death, and it causes impairment in global functioning. OBJECTIVES: (1) To estimate the prevalence of antisocial behavior in adolescents from a low-income community located in the outskirts of São Paulo City; (2) To identify risk factors associated with adolescent antisocial behavior.

Method:
Cross-sectional study. Probabilistic sample of clusters, including all eligible households in each selected cluster (Jardim Santo Eduardo, Embu-SP). Embu is considered one of the Brazilian’s most violent municipalities due to high homicide rates. Participants: 248 adolescents (11-17 years; attrition rate: 19.0%). Measurement: (1) Outcome: Antisocial Behavior identified by externalizing problem scale scores in the clinical range (Child Behavior Checklist and/or Youth Self-Report combined) plus impairment identified by the Brief Impairment Scale (total score >15.5); (2) Correlates from four domains were examined: a) Adolescent (age [11-14 vs. 15-17], gender, severe physical punishment); b) Mother (age, education, mental health); c) Father (age, absence, unemployment); d) Family (socioeconomic status). Severe physical punishment defined as hit with an object such as a stick/broom/cane/belt, kick, choke, smother, burn/scald/brand, beat, or threaten with weapon. Maternal mental health problems identified by the Self-Report Questionnaire (total score >7).

Results:
Antisocial behavior prevalence=8.9%.
Logistic regression models identified independent correlates: Model 1 (whole sample) - older adolescents (p=0.03), maternal mental health problems (p=0.03) and father absence (p=0.03); Model 2 (households with fathers present; N=191) - severe physical punishment (p=0.01) and father’s unemployment (p=0.01).

Conclusions:
Antisocial behavior is common in this violent community, especially in older adolescents. Fathers play important role in this scenario since different detected risk factors depend on their presence or absence. Maternal mental health problems and severe physical punishment may be cause or consequence of adolescent antisocial behavior.