Socio-demographic co-relates of psychiatric disorders

Objective: To find out the magnitude of probable psychopathology in children and study association of psychopathology with demographic, developmental and social factors. Methods: Childhood Psychopathology Measurement Schedule (CPMS) was used to measure the magnitude of probable psychopathology in 620 children from an urban slum of Miraj (Maharashtra). A second schedule recorded demographic, developmental and social factors. Results: CPMS score >10 was observed in 102 children (16.5%). It was significantly higher in children aged 7-10 years, in males, belonging to lower socioeconomic status, large families, being first born, having low birth weight (LBW); body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5. Low maternal education and alcohol abuse in father also had significant association with CPMS score >10. Conclusion: Findings suggest a need to educate the community about psychological implications of LBW, large family size and overcrowding in children. Improving maternal education and controlling alcoholism could help in reducing childhood psychopathology.