Incidence rates of emotional and behavioural problems in Malaysian children as measured by parent ratings of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to ascertain the rates of emotional and behavioural problems (emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and low prosocial behaviour) of Malaysian children. MethodsIn all 1407 Malaysian parents completed ratings of their children using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. ResultsThe findings indicating that for these emotional and behavioural problems, about 5% are at the abnormal level and that another 10% are at the borderline abnormal level. This study also provided normative cut-off scores to ascertain borderline and abnormal bands for these problems. DiscussionThe clinical and cultural implications of the findings are discussed.