A study of disruptive behavior disorders in Puerto Rican youth: II. Baseline prevalence, comorbidity, and correlates in two sites

Abstract

Objective: This is the second of two associated articles. The prevalence, correlates, and comorbidities of disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) in two populations are reported.

Method: Probability community samples of Puerto Rican boys and girls ages 5-13 years in San Juan, and the south Bronx in New York City are included (n = 2,491). The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV and measures of correlates were employed to look at the association between DBDs and potential correlates, taking comorbidity into account. Data presented in this report were collected primarily between 2002 and 2003 but spanned a 3-year period from August 2000 to August 2003.

Results: There were no significant age or site differences among males in rates of DBDs, but rates among females increased with age in the south Bronx and decreased with age in Puerto Rico. The salient comorbidity of DBDs was with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Multiple regression showed lack of parental warmth and approval, poor peer relationships, and parental report of aggressive behavior during the toddler years to be the most significant correlates of DBDs in this population.

Conclusions: Cultural factors, such as level of acculturation, were not associated with DBDs. The results suggest that clinical and preventive efforts need to emphasize interpersonal factors such as parent-child relationships and peer interactions.