Revisäo dos estudos epidemiológicos em saúde mental no Brasil: 2§ parte e última / Review of the epidemiological studies on metal health carried out in Brazil: 2d and last part

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to review the epidemiological studies on mental health carried out in Brazil. The studies wich did not apply an appropriate methodology are classified here under the title "Pre-epidemilogical" studies. The cross-sectional epidemiological studies reviewed were subdivided into a) morbidity studies with inpatient registers b) morbility studies in outpatient care services including primary health care and c) population surveys. These studies ara analysed in terms of their methodological features and relevant results. In addition, a few case-control studies and analytical cross-sectional investigations are also evaluated. The authors conclude by identifying methodological flaws in the bulk of cross-sectional designs aplied and comment on the scarcity of analytical research throughout the country