Strengths And Difficulties Questionnaire Research Articles

Urban green, blue spaces and their joint effect are associated with lower risk of emotional and behavior problem in children and adolescents, a large population-based study in Guangzhou, China

Extensive research has been conducted on the impact of urban Green and blue spaces (GBS) on mental health. However, there is a dearth of studies examining the potential influence of GBS on Emotion and behavior problems (EBP) in youth populations. This study seeks to address this research gap by examining the association between GBS exposure and EBP in youths, utilizing a large population-based survey. Exposure indicators were derived for each participant, taking into account the 1-m resolution land coverage percentage measurements at their residential and school locations, with buffer sizes of 500m and 800m. The study employed the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as a measurement to EBP. To investigate this relationship, a Poisson linear mixed-effects model with comprehensive adjustment was utilized. Stratified analyses were conducted, taking into account demographic variables, while sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the reliability of the findings. The primary analysis encompassed a sample of 172,490 individuals, with an average age of 10.2 (standard deviation = 2.99), of whom 55.8% were male. Among young individuals residing within a 500-m radius of residential green spaces (GS), those in the second and third tertiles experienced a 5.0% and 7.6% decrease in the risk of developing total difficulties respectively, compared to those in the first tertile. Exposure to blue spaces (BS) around the residence yielded comparable results, with an AOR of 0.896 (95% CI: 0.866, 0.928) for the second tertile and an AOR of 0.991 (95% CI: 0.879, 0.943) for the third tertile, compared to the first tertile. The decrease in EBPs may also be linked to the joint effect of GS and BS. Young individuals were exposed to GS or BS, as well as the higher level of GS in conjunction with comparable BS, exhibited an inverse correlation with self-reported EBPs.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional and behavioral problems and sleep problems in adolescents

Background The asynchrony rapid phase of cognitive, physical and emotional development occurring in adolescence may result in various issues such as risk-taking behavior, psychosocial and emotional problems. School closure during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a tremendous change in adolescent lifestyle and habits, including sleep patterns. causing added challenges to adolescents’ emotional and behavioral problems.
 Objective To identify the association between sleep disorders with emotional and behavioral problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in urban and rural adolescents.
 Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among adolescents aged 12-18 years from November to December 2021 in two provinces, DKI Jakarta and Riau Islands. We recruited students consecutively from randomly selected junior and senior high schools. We used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to screen for emotional and behavioral problems and for sleep disorders, respectively. The questionnaires were sent electronically to each subject after obtaining parental consent.
 Results There were 400 subjects included in our study, of which 64% were female. The prevalences of COVID-19 amongst subjects in urban and rural areas were COVID-19 12.5% and 5.5%, respectively. Emotional and behavioral disorders as well as sleep disorders were more common in rural than urban areas (13 vs. 11.5% and 50.5% vs. 38%; P=0.012, respectively). Sleep disorders were associated with the SDQ subscales of emotional symptoms [PR 4.88 (95%CI 2.97 to 8.03); P<0.01), conduct problems [PR 3.71 (95%CI 1.53 to 9.04); P=0.02), hyperactivity/inattention [PR 6.05 (95%CI 2.58 to 16.17); P<0.01], and peer relationship problems [PR 3.28 (95%CI 1.33 to 8.09); P<0.01).
 Conclusion Sleep disorders among adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic were associated with emotional and behavioral problems. Adolescents who live in rural areas were more likely to have sleep disorders, emotional and behavioral problems.

Siblings of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Psychosocial health, coping

PurposeThe literature widely reported the psychosocial toll of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on patients, though the family functioning of T1DM patients, particularly siblings, has traditionally obtained far less consideration. This study was framed to investigate the psychosocial adjustments of siblings of children with T1DM and to evaluate the frequencies and the perceived efficacy of coping strategies adopted by siblings. Design and methodsThis cross-sectional study included parents (n = 100) and siblings (n = 100) of children with T1DM. Parents completed the following questionnaires: Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Family Impact Module, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), while siblings completed SDQ self-report and kidcope questionnaires. ResultsThirty-eight percent of siblings of children with T1DM reported significant emotional and behavioral problems related to HbA1c level, higher parenting stress, and worse family functioning (p < 0.05). Younger siblings considered social support and distraction the most effective coping strategies, while older siblings perceived adaptive coping as the most effective. Social support and problem-solving were found to be protective factors for better sibling adjustments; meanwhile, better family adjustments were related to social support and cognitive restructuring (p < 0.05). ConclusionsResults demonstrate that siblings of children with T1DM experienced psychosocial maladjustment. Sibling adjustments are family interrelated. Adaptive coping strategies may play a buffer role for siblings and family adjustment. Practice implicationsThe study highlights the need for comprehensive evaluations of family dynamics and sibling psychosocial functioning to provide appropriate family-centered care.

Strengths and Difficulties among Adolescent with and without Specific Learning Disorders (SLD).

Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) have become a major concern in modern societies. It is essential to detect their emotional, behavioral and social consequences as early as childhood. The aim of this study is to examine a set of strengths and difficulties and compare them between students with and without SLD. Participants in this study were adolescents aged 11-18 years from Budapest and villages of its Metropolitan area (Hungary) (N = 276, mean age = 13.6 years, SD = 1.8, 54.7% boys). Due to multistage sampling, a nearly equal number of students had SLD or not. In addition to sociodemographics, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Satisfaction With Life Scale and the Proactive Coping Inventory were included in the survey, and t-test, correlation and logistic regression analysis were applied in statistical analyses. Our findings suggest that in early adolescence (ages 11-14 years), conduct and peer problems, in late adolescence (ages 15-18 years), emotional problems, highlighted SLD. In terms of strengths, prosocial behavior in children with SLD may compensate difficulties, especially at a younger age. Students from lower SES families and those having parents with a lower educational level are more likely to have a diagnosis of SLD. Teachers and special educators should take care of improving the adolescents' prosociality, social and coping skills and listening to emotional, conduct and peer problems in those with SLD.

Characteristic Similarities of Irritability Between Autism and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.

Objective: Irritability in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is prominent and often leads to distress to both autistic children and their families. However, the nature of irritability in autism and the difference from nonautistic children have rarely been examined. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of irritability in autism, and to compare the symptom profiles with those of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) in nonautistic children. Methods: Fifty-six children aged 7-17 years (mean age 10.36 ± 3.05) were recruited into this study (21 with DMDD, 21 with high-functioning autism [hfASD], and 14 healthy volunteers [HV]). Their parents completed the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Irritability (ABC-I) subscale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) parent report form. The ABC-I subscale was analyzed as a whole and broken into subsets (ABC-I-Irritability, ABC-I-Agitation, and ABC-I-Crying). The symptom profiles of irritability and the association with psychosocial difficulties were compared between groups. Results: The ABC-I-Irritability scores of children with hfASD closely matched to those of children with DMDD. In addition, both DMDD and hfASD groups could be differentiated from HV group in five of the six items except "depressed mood." However, in the ABC-I-Agitation scale, children with DMDD, but not hfASD, had higher scores in "Aggressive to other patients and staff" and "Stamps feet while banging objects or slamming doors" than HV. Regarding psychosocial outcomes, irritability in children with DMDD and hfASD were associated with emotional problems as measured by the SDQ. Moreover, irritability in DMDD was associated with conduct problems, and the hfASD group exhibited the similar trend. Conclusions: Symptom profiles of irritability and the associated emotional and conduct problems in children with hfASD were similar to those of DMDD in the nonautistic population. Future studies are warranted to explore the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of irritability between autistic and nonautistic children for further insight into the nature of irritability in autism.

Parent-child Discrepancies in Reporting Children’s Mental Health: Do Physical Custody Arrangements in Post-separation Families Matter?

Most analyses of children’s well-being in separated families are based on reports provided by parents. Thus, the question arises whether discrepancies between parents’ proxy reports and children’s self-reports exist and whether they impact explanatory models of children’s well-being. Since a family’s physical custody arrangement could systematically affect parents’ ratings of their children’s mental health, and this association has not been examined before, this study investigates parent-child discrepancies in reporting children’s mental health problems in separated families with different physical custody arrangements. Drawing on data from the German Family Panel (pairfam), multinomial logistic regression and multilevel mixed-effects models were estimated for 786 parent-child dyads nested in 622 families with children between the ages of 9 and 17. To measure children’s mental health, we used two subscales (emotional and conduct problems) of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The findings suggested that the relationship between physical custody arrangements and children’s mental health differs depending on whether the children’s or the parents’ data are used. Physical custody arrangements and informant discrepancies were not associated. Parents’ mental health and the quality of parent-child relationships appear more relevant in understanding informant discrepancies than physical custody arrangements.

An evaluation of the psychometric properties of the strengths and difficulties scale in Turkey: Implications for other non‐WEIRD countries

AbstractThe Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a very widely used scale in which parents, teachers or the child rate various aspects of the child's well‐being. It is widely used in the Western world and is translated into 80+ languages. It is also used in countries that do not classify as WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic). However, unlike WEIRD countries, some studies indicate that the psychometric properties of the SDQ when used in non‐WEIRD countries are questionable. Therefore, we gave the SDQ to the mothers and teachers of 310 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds in urban centres of Turkey and examined its psychometric properties. Turkey is not a WEIRD country because it is not Western, although the participants in our study were well educated, living in an industrialized area, rich relative to others in Turkey (although poor relative to Westerners) and democratic. As such, it is not drastically different from WEIRD countries and our question was whether even relatively small deviations from standard WEIRD criteria could result in questionable psychometric properties for the SDQ.

Perinatally diagnosed congenital craniopharyngiomas in the KRANIOPHARYNGEOM trials.

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare embryonic tumors. Clinical presentation and outcome of patients perinatally diagnosed with congenital CP (cCP) are not clear and refer mainly to a few case reports in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical presentation and outcome in patients with cCP. Three hundred and sixty-one patients diagnosed with adamantinomatous CP were recruited 2007-2022 in KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007/Registry 2019 and prospectively observed. In two cases, cCP was diagnosed prenatally and in one case on the second day of life. Pre- and perinatal diagnostic findings, postnatal evaluation, and therapeutic interventions and outcome in these three cases of cCP were analyzed. All patients survived. One patient developed psychomotor retardation and a mild hemiparesis. Prenatal routine ultrasound examination led to the diagnosis of cCP. Tumor resection was performed during the early postnatal period (range: 11-51 days of age). Functional capacity, measured by Fertigkeitenskala-Münster-Heidelberg (FMH) was reduced in three and behavioral parameters, measured by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were abnormal in two cases. cCP is a rare diagnosis with a prevalence of 0.83% in our study group. Compared to cases reported in the literature, the presented cases were treated immediately and had a better prognosis. Based on improvements of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, prenatal diagnosis of cCP should lead to transfer prior to delivery of cCP patients to a specialized center for delivery and postnatal treatment of newborns with sellar masses by a multidisciplinary team to secure the improved prognosis of these patients. We previously reported that lower event-free survival rates after craniopharyngioma are associated with younger age at diagnosis. Perinatally diagnosed congenital craniopharyngiomas are very rare. This article presents three unique cases with congenital craniopharyngioma, comparing their diagnostics, therapy, and development. All three cases had surgery during the early postnatal period with sparing of the posterior hypothalamus. In each case, endocrinopathy was present at follow-up. Low functional capacity was reported in all cases and an abnormal total difficulties score in two cases. Compared to the literature, the presented cases had better prognosis in morbidity and mortality. This report and the review of the literature confirm the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnostic and treatment of the very rare condition of congenital craniopharyngioma.

Prenatal particulate matter exposure is linked with neurobehavioral development in early life

Abstract Background Particulate matter (PM) is a major environmental health concern and there is growing evidence that early exposure to PM can have adverse effects on neurobehavioral development in children, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we hypothesized that prenatal PM2.5 exposure is linked with changes in neurobehavioral development in early life. Methods This study was part of the prospective ENVIRONAGE birth cohort and included 85 mother-newborn pairs. The Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) was administered to 1-2-month-olds to evaluate newborn's behavior. In addition, 392 children aged 4-6 years of the ENVIRONAGE cohort were included. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess the child's behavior. PM2.5 concentrations were determined by a high-resolution spatial-temporal method based on the maternal residential address. Multiple linear and multinomial logistic regression models were used to link prenatal PM2.5 exposure and neurobehavioral development in newborns and children, respectively. Results A 5 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration in early pregnancy was linked with lower scores for the NBAS range of state cluster (-0.22; 95% CI: -0.42 to -0.02; p = 0.03) in newborns aged 1-2 months old, as well as with higher odds of a child having peer problems (OR 3.90; 95% CI: 1.39 to 10.88; p = 0.01), higher total difficulties scores (OR 1.67; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.78; p = 0.047), and abnormal prosocial behavior (OR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.98; p = 0.04) at age 4-6 years. Conclusions This study provides indications that prenatal PM2.5 exposure influences neurobehavioral development, both in newborns and in early childhood. This evidence suggests that reducing exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy may be an important public health strategy for promoting optimal neurodevelopment in early life. Key messages • In utero PM2.5 exposure is related to changes in neurobehavior in newborns. • Prenatal PM2.5 exposure is linked with higher chances of abnormal behavior in children aged 4-6 years old.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health of Children with Embryonal Abdominal Tumors.

(1) Background: Embryonal abdominal tumors are one of the most common entities of solid childhood cancer. The present study investigates the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and the mental health of children to obtain a comprehensive picture of their health status and uncover a possible gap in healthcare. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 54 children who were treated for embryonal abdominal tumors and a control group of 46 children who received uncomplicated outpatient surgery. The HRQoL and the mental health were assessed by the parent proxy reports of the questionnaires Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). (3) Results: Children with embryonal abdominal tumors showed significantly lower HRQoL and mental health values compared to the norm data. The index group showed lower values in the social subscales of HRQoL and mental health compared to the control group. (4) Conclusions: Embryonal abdominal tumors affect the well-being of children. There is still a gap in healthcare due to children's HRQoL and mental health, especially regarding social development. It is essential to further advance the psychological care of children and improve their chances to develop social relationships.

Behavior Problems in Low-Income Young Children Screened in Pediatric Primary Care

Screening of behavior problems in young children in pediatric primary care is essential to timely intervention and optimizing trajectories for social-emotional development. Identifying differential behavior problem trajectories provides guidance for tailoring prevention and treatment. To identify trajectories of behavior problems in children 2 to 6 years of age screened in pediatric primary care. This retrospective cohort study identified trajectories of behavior problems and demographic and clinical correlates. Data were collected as part of routine care in 3 pediatric primary care offices and 3 school-based health centers in Ohio serving a primarily low-income population. In total, 15 218 children aged 2 to 6 years with well-child visits between July 13, 2016, and January 31, 2022, were included. Caregivers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at annual well-child visits. Trajectory groups were identified using latent growth mixture modeling of SDQ total difficulties scores, and relative risk ratio (RRR) of various demographic (eg, race) and clinical (eg, depression in caregiver) variables were assessed by multinomial logistic regression analysis. Of 15 281 children (51.3% males), 10 410 (68.1%) were African American or Black, 299 (2.0%) were Asian, 13 (0.1%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 876 (5.7%) were multiracial, 26 (0.2%) were Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 2829 (18.5%) were White, and 39 (0.02%) were categorized as other. In addition, 944 (6.2%) identified as Hispanic and 14 246 (93.2%) as non-Hispanic. Four behavior problem trajectory groups reflecting severity were identified: low-stable (LS; 10 096 [66.1%]), moderate-decreasing (MD; 16.6%), low-increasing (LI; 13.1%), and high-increasing (HI; 4.3%). Relative to the LS group, patients in each elevated group were more likely to be male (HI RRR, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.55-2.26]; MD RRR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.41-1.71]; and LI RRR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.70-2.21]), White (HI RRR, 2.27 [95% CI, 1.83-2.81]; MD RRR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.13-1.45]; and LI RRR, 1.54, [95% CI, 1.32-1.81]), publicly insured (HI RRR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.28-0.84]; MD RRR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.43-0.73]; and LI RRR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.35-0.73]), have a social need (HI RRR, 3.07 [95% CI, 2.53-3.73]; MD RRR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.82-2.25]; and LI RRR, 2.12 [95% CI, 1.84-2.44]), and have a caregiver with depression (HI RRR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.38-2.00]; MD RRR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.31-1.58]; and LI RRR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.23-1.58]). Relative to the LI group, patients in the MD group were less likely to be male (RRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.68-0.93). The substantial portion of young children with increased behavior problems observed in this cohort study underscores the need for screening in pediatric primary care. Caregivers with depression and family social needs warrant prioritization in early prevention and treatment to alter elevated trajectories.

Does depression affect the association between prosocial behavior and anxiety? A cross-sectional study of students in China.

A growing number of studies have suggested that adolescents' prosocial behavior can protect against depression and anxiety. It is known that anxiety and depression are often comorbid. However, it remains unclear if when depression is present, prosocial behavior remains protective against anxiety, and if when anxiety is present, prosocial behavior remains protective against depression. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of anxiety and depressive with prosocial behavior. A large representative sample of middle-school students was recruited for a cross-sectional study and completed standardized instruments (the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders-Child version (SCARED-C), and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)). We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the protective effect of prosocial behavior against anxiety when depression was present. A survey of 3,510 students was conducted, and the final analysis included 3,169 students, comprising 1,616 boys (51.0%) and 1,553 girls (49.0%), with a mean age of 13.09 years (SD = 1.31, range 11-16).The prevalence rates of anxiety and depression in early adolescents were 31.6 and 16.7%, respectively. More than two-thirds of depressed adolescents had comorbid anxiety, while more than one-third of anxious adolescents had comorbid depression. Regression models showed that compared with depressed adolescents, adolescents without depressive symptoms exhibited a significant negative correlation between prosocial behaviors and anxiety and depression (β = -0.01, p > 0.01, β = -0.06, p > 0.01; β = -0.11, p < 0.01, and β = -0.17, p < 0.01). There was no difference in the relationship between prosocial behavior and depression between anxious and non-anxious adolescents (p > 0.05). Anxiety and depression are common in adolescence and are often comorbid disorders. However, the comorbidity is not symmetrical. Specifically, the protective effect of prosocial behavior against anxiety is weaker in depressed adolescents. Findings are discussed in light of related research and theory, and insights for intervention programs and future research are presented.

A Population-Based Study of the Utility of Screening for Tics and the Relative Contribution of Tics and Psychiatric Comorbidity to Academic and Social Impairment in Adolescents

ABSTRACT This study examined the performance of a brief screening tool for tics in adolescents. Academic and social impairment in students by tic screen status and emotional/behavioral problem status were examined. Data were collected as part of an epidemiologic study, the Project to Learn about Youth – Mental Health. Participants were 2,312 secondary school students at the Ohio site (47.4% female; 94.4% non-Hispanic white) and their teachers. Students completed 6 items from the Motor tic, Obsessions and compulsions, Vocal tic Evaluation Survey (MOVES-6) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Teachers completed the Proxy Report Questionnaire for tics and SDQ. Based on responses to the MOVES-6, 11.1% of students screened positive for tics. Internal consistency was adequate (α = 0.76); inter-rater consistency between teachers and students was low (0.03). Based on student self-report, those who screened positive for tics self-reported more academic and social impairment than students who screened negative for tics; teacher-report of impairment was similar between those with a positive or negative tic screen. Students who screened positive for tics and reported internalizing difficulties reported more academic and social impairment than students with only a positive tic screen. Teachers perceived those screening positive for tics and externalizing difficulties as the most socially impaired. In conclusion, a positive self-reported tic screen was associated with self-reported academic and social impairment. Findings reveal the independent contribution of tics to impairment, even when internalizing and externalizing problems are present, and the potential utility of a school-based screening for tics in adolescents.

The contributing role of family, religious activities and school in protecting the mental well-being of school going adolescents in a rural district of Sri Lanka

Introduction: Mental health problems in adolescence are common.Objectives: To assess the mental health of grade 10 students in Ampara District and their associated factorsMethods: This descriptive study was conducted from May to November 2018. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess the students’ mental health status under five domains. They were total abnormal scores (TAS), emotional problems (EP), conduct problems (CP), hyperactive/inattention problems (HIP) and peer problems (PP). The prevalence of mental health problems was summarized as percentages. The significance of associated factors was assessed at p&lt;0.05 and presented in adjusted odds ratio (aOR).Results: Of the 1340 students, 11.9% had reported TAS. The prevalence of EP, CP, PP and HIP were 15.1%, 12.9%, 12.1% and 11.7%, respectively. Eight factors associated with abnormal scores were identified. Difficulties in schoolwork were associated with all five domains (aOR=5.9; 95% CI: 2.5, 13.6 for TAS; aOR=4.0; 95% CI: 2.1, 7.7 for EP, aOR=2.9; 95% CI: 1.6, 5.4 for CP, aOR =2.6; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.6 for PP and aOR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.5 for HIP). Not involving in religious activities regularly at home was associated with all domains except emotional problems (aOR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.3 for TAS, aOR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.9 for PP, aOR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.6 for HIP and aOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.5 for CP). Not having a close family member to discuss their problems was associated with TAS (aOR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.2), EP (aOR=3.4; 95% CI: 1.9, 5.8) and HIP (aOR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.3, 3.7). The presence of stressful life events was associated with TAS (aOR= 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.4), EP (aOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.5) and CP (aOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.3). Tobacco smoking habit of father was associated with TAS (aOR=2.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 6.6) and CP (aOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 4.6). The alcohol-drinking habit of father was associated with EP (aOR=3.0; 95% CI: 1.3, 7.0). Not attending to additional tuition classes was associated with EP (aOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.4) and PP (aOR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.6). The low educational level of the mother was associated with the TAS (aOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.4).Conclusions &amp; Recommendations: Mental health problems are common among school-going adolescents. All mental health problems were significantly associated with difficulties in schoolwork and most of the others were modifiable family-related factors. School mental health screening programmes are recommended with special attention on students with difficulties in schoolwork. School Mental health awareness and promotional programmes should target the students as well as teachers and parents to create a supportive school and family environment.

Assessing emotional and behavioral symptoms among South African youth living with HIV: a psychometric analysis of IsiZulu SDQ scale

Introduction Evaluating emotional and behavioral challenges in perinatally HIV-infected youth necessitates culturally tailored tools. While the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) gauges psychological traits through 25 items, the isiZulu version’s suitability among this cohort remains uncertain. Methods Conducted in South Africa, the study engaged 316 caregiver-youth pairs in the VUKA program and 37 in VUKA_E across six HIV clinics. Results The overall SDQ score reliability was acceptable, yet all five sub-scales fell below 0.7 (ranging from 0.26 to 0.59). The peer relationships subscale exhibited the lowest reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.26). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed poor fits in both 5-factor and 3-factor models, notably in peer problems and hyperactivity constructs. Discussion Caution is warranted when using the current Zulu SDQ measurement in a cross-cultural context. An updated version rectifying translation issues is recommended, particularly in hyperactivity and peer problem sub-scales.

The relationship between alexithymia, emotion regulation, and sleep problems in school-aged children: A multicentric study

ObjectivesAlexithymia, mood dysregulation, and sleep quality have complicated effects on children's development. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia, emotion regulation, psychiatric problems, and sleep problems among Egyptian school-aged children. MethodsA total of 564 Egyptian children, aged 6 to 14, were divided into two groups based on their total Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire abbreviated score: group 1 (N = 300) with sleep problems and group 2 (N = 264) with non-sleep problems. Their parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and subjectively assessed the children's emotions using the Children's Alexithymia Measure (CAM) and the Clinical Evaluation of Emotional Regulation-9 (CEER-9). ResultsMales were more proportional in the sleep problems group than others. The sleep problem group was significantly younger and had a longer daily sleep duration than the non-sleep problem group. Alexithymia and emotion dysregulation had the highest mean in the sleep problem group. Furthermore, alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, emotion difficulty, conduct, and prosocial problems were the most significant contributing factors and risk factors for sleep problems in children. ConclusionSleep problems in children were associated with younger male children with lengthy daily sleep duration and emotional, behavioural, and prosocial difficulties. Furthermore, alexithymia and emotion dysregulation are significant contributors and risk factors for sleep problems in school-aged children.

The association between mental health problems and asthma among European school children

Background and objectivesTo examine the prevalence of two ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) asthma indicators in 7 European countries and their relationship with mental health disorders in children 6–12 years. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 5712 school children aged 6–12 years using a video Self-administered instrument: Dominic Interactive and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for parents and teachers. Asthma indicators were 12 month “Wheezing or whistling in the chest” (WWC) and “Severe Asthma” (SA) based on number of attacks of wheezing, sleep disturbance due to wheezing, and limits to speech. ResultsOn average 7.31% of the children had WWC, from 15.09% in Turkey to 1.32% in Italy; SA 2.22% on average ranged from 4.78% in Turkey to 0% in Italy. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) from child self-reports was significantly associated with WWC and SA even after adjustment for covariates. Based on parent and teacher combined reports, emotional problems were found to have significant associations with 12-month WWC after adjustment, as well as “any problems” which summarized externalizing and internalizing disorders Emotional, hyperactivity, conduct disorders were not associated with SA. ConclusionAsthma indicators very much differ across countries. Asthma indicators are associated with childhood GAD. Childhood self-reported mental health seems more related to Asthma indicators than parents/teachers combined reports.

A Study on Effect of Sleep Training Program in Children with ADHD: A Comparative Prospective Study

Objective: To study complementary effect of sleep training program in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) receiving tablet methylphenidate with respect to sleep, quality of life (social, behavioral, emotional, and executive functioning of children), and their parent’s emotional state. Methods and Materials: It was a comparative and prospective study, and it was conducted in child mental health services of a tertiary care municipal hospital. The children (age 8−12 years) were diagnosed with ADHD using DSM 5 criteria. The children’s sleep habit questionnaire (CSHQ) and Kiddie-SADS-PL questionnaire (K-SADS-PL) were used to select 100 consecutive participants (parent–child dyad). They were randomly equally divided into two groups: A and B. Semi-structured proforma was filled and different scales were applied for children; these scales include Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PQLI), Stroop test (ST) and Verbal fluency test (VFT), and to parent-Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The participants in group A received a validated sleep intervention and the scales were reapplied after 12 weeks. We used Chi-square test, paired t-test, unpaired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation test, and logistic regression analysis for data analysis. p-Value &lt;.05 was taken as significant. SPSS version 20 software was used for data analysis. Results: We found significant post-intervention improvement in sleep, quality of life, social, emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning in children and emotional factors in parents. Conclusion: The combination of sleep intervention and tablet methylphenidate were more effective in improving these factors.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Risk of Developing Psychopathology in Children in Portugal: A Cross-Section Study

Introduction: This study is based on preliminary data from a 2021 survey of parents of children aged 3-13 years atthe time of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim is to understand the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection on children's mental health. Methods: Using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and survey data, we specified multiple linear regression models to explain the variation in the total SDQ and the variation in its five components ‐ emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behaviour. We used explanatory variables selected according to current literature and other empirical studies, such as age, gender, household changes, confinement, hospitalization time, previous mental health care and long‐COVID symptoms (headache, sleep problems, concentration problems, fatigue). Results: The results showed that age was not statistically significant in any of the estimated models. The gender variable proved to be significant in three models (total SDQ, conduct problems, hyperactivity) and the results show that girls have fewer problems when compared to boys.Conclusion: Results suggest that intensive care hospitalisation and long-COVID symptoms increase the risk of psychopathology.

Meningkatkan Kemampuan Regulasi Emosi melalui Pendekatan Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) secara Daring

Adverse childhood experiences, insecure attachment relationships with parents, the formation of negative self-perceptions, and maladaptive emotional regulation can form strong risk factors for difficulties in emotional regulation and the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Several interventions can be used, including the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) approach. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of online DBT intervention in adolescents who experience difficulties in emotion regulation and already have a tendency to depressive symptoms. The participant is a teenage girl aged 17 years and 7 months. The research design is a single-case experimental design. The intervention consisted of 1 pre-intervention session, 8 DBT intervention sessions, 1 post-intervention session, and 1 follow-up session. Quantitative analysis was carried out by comparing scores from the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) given before and after the intervention. The results showed that quantitatively there was a decrease in scores of difficulties in emotion regulation, depressive symptoms, and distress faced by the participant compared to before intervention. Qualitatively, emotion regulation skills change in a more positive and adaptive direction.