Study protocol of personal characteristics and socio-cultural factors associated with mental health and quality of life of residents living in violent territories

Abstract

Background: Throughout the world, millions of people living in deprived urban environments with frequent experiences of violence are mentally distressed.

The impacts on the mental health of residents of 16 favelas observed during the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil

“…This quantitative, longitudinal cohort study is part of the research project "Building the barricades: three interdisciplinary studies on Mental Health, Wellbeing and Substance Use Disorders in the context of armed violence in Brazil" that focused on interviews with individuals who live in 16 favelas in the area of Maré in Rio de Janeiro (Cruz et al, 2020). We chose the quantitative nature, a method that uses observable indicators and trends, in order to be more suitable for ascertaining the interviewees' opinions and attitudes (Minayo & Sanches, 1993).…”

“…The interview included basic information about specific concerns of the pandemic, objective conditions to cope with the situation, and access to services, as well as questions about mental health and quality of life. The following instruments are described in the study protocol: a questionnaire developed specifically for the Building the Barricades study (Cruz et al, 2020) including Sociodemographic profile; access to social and health services; mental health profile using 18-items Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI); Quality of Life, using Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA).…”