Behavioral and Sexual problems in Children with Mild Intellectual Disability: An Observational Study

Abstract

Abstract Background The cognitive and adaptive functioning deficits are the intellectual disability (ID) hallmark. Children with Intellectual Disability (ID) often display distinct behavioral and sexual problems. Objective To investigate behavioral and sexual problems in children with mild ID (IQ score 50-70) as compared to an age-and sex-matched control group. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 children (100 with mild ID (IQ score 50-70) and 100 controls) aged 6-12 years at Ain Shams University's Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic. Sociodemographic data were collected using an Arabic-validated Socioeconomic Status Scale. Intellectual ability was assessed with the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and Adaptive behaviors were measured using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS). Behavioral competency and problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Sexual behaviors were evaluated using the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI). Results A higher percentage of children with ID (54%) had working mothers compared to controls (40%, p = 0.047). Fathers of children with ID exhibited higher education levels (p = 0.020). CSBI scores were markedly higher in children with ID (all p-values < 0.001) and CBCL scores were also markedly higher in children with ID (all p-values <0.001). Similarly more ID children were in clinical range for internalizing (p-value <0.001) and externalizing problems (p-value <0.001) of CBCL broadband syndrome. Conclusion Children with mild ID display significant differences in behavioral and sexual problems compared to their controls Identified risk factors offer insight into potential interventions and underline the need for tailored education and support for this demographic.