Abstract

Introduction. Longitudinal predictive studies regarding children s mental health are reviewed, emphasizing that they are very scarce in Latin America. Objectives. To study the continuity of behavioral and cognitive problems in a population of schoolchildren and to detect first grade predictors for problems observed in sixth grade. Method. This study used a developmental epidemiologic format to obtain teachers 'and parents' ratings of first graders' aggressive/disobedient behaviors, shyness, cognitive/concentration deficits, emotional immaturity and hyperactivity. Students were re-evaluated in sixth grade to determine the course of behavioral development and early predictors for later outcomes; self-esteem was also measured at this time. 1279 children were assessed in first grade; 535 students who remained in the same schools and had not been retained were re-evaluated in sixth grade. Results. Logistic regressions found stability and continuity in teacher and parent ratings. Many early maladaptive behaviors predicted later problems. Disobedience/aggression, hyperactivity and teacher's global opinion of bad conduct increased the risk of multiple outcomes. Conclusions. Detection of behavioral and cognitive problems in first grade predicted problems in sixth grade and provided important information for the development of preventive interventions. © 2006 Sociedad de Neurología, Psiquiatría y Neurocirugía.