Background: This study used DSM-IV criteria to analyse reports from teachers and parents and to compare behavioural and emotional symptoms in Spanish preschool children from both urban and rural populations.
Method: The field survey was conducted in two geographical areas in Catalonia (Spain). A sample of 1104 children (56.67% boys and 43.32% girls) aged 3-6 years participated in this study: 697 were from urban areas and 408 from rural ones. The Early Childhood Inventory-teachers' and parents' versions (ECI-4) [Gadow KD, Sprafkin J (1997)-was used as the screening instrument.
Results: The teachers' and parents' reports assigned 32.7 and 46.7%, respectively, to one or more ECI-4 categories. Significant differences between sexes were found in teachers' reports. The whole disorders were significantly more prevalent in the urban sample than in the rural one (30.6 vs. 20.3%). The most prevalent disorders in both areas were Anxiety Disorders and Behavioural Problems, and the least prevalent were Mood Disorders and Autistic Disorders.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that there are some differences in the prevalence rates of preschool psychopathological disorders between rural and urban Spanish areas.