Impact of common mental disorders during childhood and adolescence on secondary school completion
Date
2009
Authors
Myer, Landon
Stein, Dan J.
Jackson, Pamela B.
Herman, Allen A.
Seedat, Soraya
Williams, David R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG)
Abstract
There are few data from South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries on how mental disorders in childhood and adolescence may influence different aspects of socio-economic position, including educational attainment. We examined the association between early-onset disorders and subsequent educational achievement in a nationally representative sample of 4 351 South African adults. After adjusting for participant demographic characteristics and traumatic life events, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder and substance-related disorders were each associated with increased odds of failing to complete secondary education (odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals 2.3, 1.0-5.1; 1.7, 1.2-2.5, and 1.7, 1.2-2.5, respectively). These data point to the role that early-life mental disorders may play in educational achievement and subsequent socio-economic position over the life course.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Childhood mental disorders -- South Africa, Educational achievement -- South Africa, Secondary school completion -- South Africa
Citation
Myer, L. et. al. 2009. Impact of common mental disorders during childhood and adolescence on secondary school completion. South African Medical Journal, 99(5) 354-356, http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj