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Migration as a Determinant in the Development of Children Emotional and Behavior Problems: A Quantitative Study for Lisbon Region, Portugal

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  • Zélia Muggli

    (Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Thierry Mertens

    (Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Silva -Sá

    (Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Regina Amado

    (Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Ana L. Teixeira

    (Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (CICS.NOVA), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), 1070-312 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Dora Vaz

    (Amadora Primary Care Health Centers Group, Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, 2700-856 Amadora, Portugal)

  • Maria Rosário O. Martins

    (Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

The role of migration as a determinant in child mental health has been demonstrated in a number of studies. However, results are not always consistent, and the research continues to be scarce, especially in Portugal. We examined the association between sociodemographic profiles and the chance for the development of emotional and behavioral difficulties in a group of 420 children, immigrant ( n = 217) and born in Portugal to Portuguese born parents ( n = 203). We used a structured questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic information and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize children and their families; variables were compared between groups using the Chi-squared, Fisher’s Exact Test, or the Mann–Whitney U test and logistic regression was used to analyze the association between socio-demographic factors and emotional and behavioral difficulties. Results showed a pattern of social and mental health inequalities with immigrant children at a disadvantage: they are more often part of families with low income and where parents had low skilled jobs. Internalizing behaviors are more frequent in immigrants than in children born in Portugal to Portuguese-born parents ( p = 0.001) whereas a high total SDQ difficulties score ( p = 0.039) and externalizing behaviors were more frequent in 1st generation immigrant children ( p = 0.009). A low family income (aOR 4.5; 95% CI: 1.43–13.95), low parental education level (aOR 2.5; 95% CI: 1.11–5.16), and being a first-generation immigrant child (aOR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.06–4.76) increased significantly the chance of developing emotional and behavioral difficulties. This study contributes to the identification of children vulnerable to mental health problems who can benefit from monitoring, early detection and preventive interventions in order to mitigate possible negative outcomes in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Zélia Muggli & Thierry Mertens & Silva -Sá & Regina Amado & Ana L. Teixeira & Dora Vaz & Maria Rosário O. Martins, 2021. "Migration as a Determinant in the Development of Children Emotional and Behavior Problems: A Quantitative Study for Lisbon Region, Portugal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:2:p:375-:d:475529
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dimitrios V. Diamantis & Iliana Stavropoulou & Konstantinos Katsas & Lyndsey Mugford & Athena Linos & Matina Kouvari, 2023. "Assessing Quality of Life in First- and Second-Generation Immigrant Children and Adolescents; Highlights from the DIATROFI Food Aid and Healthy Nutrition Promotion Program," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-14, January.

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