Professor Doutora Maria do Rosário O. Martins, deputy director of the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (IHMT NOVA) and researcher at GHTM – Global Health and Tropical Medicine, addressed child mental health on RTP's program Bom Dia Portugal. Her intervention highlighted the influence of social determinants on children's development and well-being, emphasizing the importance of considering socioeconomic conditions, family contexts, and lifestyles.
This approach aligns with the findings of a study coordinated by the Professor, developed within the CHILDLIMaR project and published in the scientific journal BMC Public Health. The research analyzed data from 453 children aged four or older in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, identifying social, family, and behavioral factors associated with emotional and behavioral difficulties in preschool age.
The results revealed that 23.6% of the evaluated children presented borderline or abnormal scores. Relevant associations were identified with household income, certain family configurations, and participation in sports activities.
The participation in the program Bom Dia Portugal can be viewed from 45 minutes and 17 seconds onwards, and the scientific article is available for consultation.
