SCREANING STUDY FOR THE PREVALENCE OF EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN IRAQ

Abstract

BACKGROUND Child& adolescent psychiatric disorders are common and treatable, but oftenly go undetected therefore, remain untreated. Epidemiological information about prevalence of child mental health problems is essential to inform policy and public health practice. There have been few such studies in Arab countries and few in Iraq. PATIENTS &METHODS A sample size of 300 students 150 male & 150 female were chosen randomly at ages between 15-17 years and were asked to complete the strengths & difficulties questionnaire. The parents were asked to complete other version of strength and difficulty questionnaire. The study was carried out in the centre of Baghdad city in AL-Karrada sector in secondary schools. By using the multi informant method for strengths and difficulties questionnaire, Using 2 tools -Strengths & difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) in 2 versions one for students & one for their parents (informant). -Iraq trauma questionnaire presents only for students. RESULTS Total difficulty score in student's report was (16%), while in parent's report was (26.33%). Emotional problems in females were the highest (30.66%), prosocial problems were the lowest (4%).  In male, conduct problems were (12%) which is the highest one, while the peer problems were the lowest (3.33%). From all students (63.66%) were exposed to traumatic events. From these, (44%) of them witnessed car explosion, (47.33%) has 1-2 traumatic events in the past 11 years. Hundred percent of female who exposed to 5& more events has emotional & behavioral problems. Hundred percent of male who exposed to 7& more events has emotional & behavioral problems CONCLUSIONS The emotional problems in females and conduct problems in males the highest & needs more attention& management. Increasing number of traumatic events will increase the emotional& behavioral problems in children.