Functional Disability Among Disadvantaged Mexican Children With Mental Disorders Seeking Treatment: Differences by Gender and Diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction: Disability is a primary predictor of the need for healthcare and services, yet it is not commonly evaluated. Aim: To analyze the functional disability of children with mental disorders based on gender and diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two psychiatric hospitals specializing in child and adolescent mental health in Mexico. The “WHODAS 2.0 adapted for children” questionnaire was administered to a total of 397 dyads (n = 794) to measure functioning. T-tests and analysis of variance were used to compare means between groups (sex and diagnosis) and variables within each domain of functioning. Results: Girls reported greater global dysfunction compared to boys (girls Ⴟ = 33.72, boys Ⴟ = 30.43, SE = 1.57, p < 0.05), particularly in the domain of mobility. Conversely, boys exhibited greater disability in the domain of life activities (domestic and school). Depressive disorder (DD) was associated with worse functioning in the domains of social participation and interpersonal interactions, whereas hyperactivity disorder (HD) was associated with greater disability in the domain of life activities (domestic). Conclusions: The level of functional disability varies by gender and diagnosis, highlighting the need for tailored interventions based on these perspectives.