Sociodemographic Characteristics Of Rural And Urban School-Going Children With Behavioral And Emotional Disorders

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of behavioral and emotional disorders among school-going children is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study aimed to explore the socio-demographic characteristics influencing these disorders in rural and urban settings in the Meherpur District of Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted from January 2007 to December 2009, involving 435 school-going children aged 5 to 18 years from both rural (n=214) and urban (n=221) areas of Meherpur District. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected using the Development and Well-being Assessment (DAWBA) tool, validated in Bangla, to diagnose emotional and behavioral disorders based on ICD-10 criteria. Results: The study found significant disparities in socio-demographic factors between rural and urban groups. Rural children were more likely to have illiterate parents, with 37.85% of fathers and 61.21% of mothers being illiterate. Family income was significantly lower in rural areas, with 94.86% of rural families earning less than 10,000 Tk per month. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was slightly higher in rural areas (15.89%) compared to urban areas (14.03%). Major depressive disorder was the most common emotional disorder, while hyperkinetic disorder was the most prevalent behavioral disorder, with no significant differences between rural and urban groups. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of socio-demographic factors in the prevalence of behavioral and emotional disorders among children in Bangladesh. The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions in rural areas to address educational and mental health disparities, contributing to more equitable health outcomes.