Strengths And Difficulties Questionnaire Scores Research Articles

Is psychological resilience associated with changes in youth sport participants’ health-related quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Objectives: This study investigated the quality of life of youth sport participants over the COVID-19 pandemic as moderated by psychological resilience. Methods: Participants included 93 high school sport participants (53.76% female, mean age = 15.59 ± 0.74) in a three-year longitudinal cohort study (SHRed Concussions) who completed the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Pediatric Quality of Life Scale (PedsQL), and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at Year 1 (pre-pandemic, 2019–2020) and Year 2 (pandemic, 2020–2021). Change in quality of life and mental health symptoms from Year 1 to Year 2 was examined using paired t-tests and Year 1 resilience was examined as a predictor of Year 2 quality of life and mental health symptoms using linear regression. Results: Among participants with Year 1 scores before the pandemic onset, mean PedsQL (n = 74, t = −0.26 [−2.63, 2.03], p = 0.80) and SDQ (n = 74, t = 0.030 [−0.90, 0.93], p = 0.98) scores did not significantly change between Year 1 and Year 2. In unadjusted analyses, Year 1 CD-RISC scores were positively associated with predicted Year 2 PedsQL scores when Year 1 scores were controlled (β = 0.31 [0.0062, 0.61], ΔR 2 = 0.02) but not with residual change in SDQ scores (β = 0.035 [−0.11, 0.18], ΔR 2 = 0.001). Conclusions: Quality of life did not change significantly after the pandemic onset, and resilience was modestly protective.

Longitudinal changes of mental health problems in children and adolescents treated in a primary care-based health-coaching programme – results of the PrimA-QuO cohort study

BackgroundIn Germany, 19.1% of boys and 14.5% of girls are affected by mental health problems (MHP). Paediatricians are usually the first in line to be contacted but they often do not feel adequately trained to diagnose and treat MHP in primary care. A major statutory health insurance fund introduced a health coaching (HC) programme to strengthen primary care consultation for MHP. The HC includes a training concept for paediatricians, standardised guidelines for actions and additional payments. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of the HC programme on the change of MHP in children and adolescents.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in Bavaria, Germany, in 2018 and 2019. Data were collected at 2 points 1 year apart using an online questionnaire. Parents of patients with developmental disorder of speech and language, head/abdominal pain, conduct disorder or non-organic enuresis were approached by their health insurance. Families treated according to the HC programme form the intervention group while all others serve as controls. MHP was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as a child self-assessment (SDQ-S)/or external assessment by parents (SDQ-P). Determinants of SDQ total score were analysed using linear mixed effects models.ResultsCross-sectional (n = 1090) and longitudinal analyses (n = 599) were performed. At baseline, a total of 23.5% had an SDQ total score “at risk” (SDQ-S > 15/SDQ-P > 13). There were no significant differences between intervention and controls. After full adjustment for all potential confounders, higher SDQ scores indicating more problems were significantly associated with male sex (2.000, p < 0.001) whereas a high parental education level was significantly associated with decreased SDQ scores (-2.127, p =0.034). There was a significant improvement in the control group over time (-0.814, p = 0.001) while the SDQ scores in the intervention group remained stable (-0.012, p = 0.020).ConclusionThis evaluation of the HC programme could not prove a clinically relevant intervention’s effect on the MHP developmental course. Nevertheless, (HC) paediatricians have crucial potential to improve the care of MHP patients. Targeting families with less access to support measures might help reduce the burden of MHP and be a step towards continuous improvement of care.

Non-linear associations between HPA axis activity during infancy and mental health difficulties during early childhood among children in rural Pakistan.

Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity may be a mechanism linking early adversity to child mental health difficulties. However, there is a dearth of longitudinal evidence for the association between HPA axis activity and mental health among children in low-resource contexts. The goal of this study is to examine linear and curvilinear associations between HPA axis activity during infancy and mental health difficulties in early childhood among children in rural Pakistan. Participants included 104 children (46% male) from the Bachpan study, a longitudinal cohort embedded within a maternal depression trial in Pakistan. We examined the associations between hair-derived cortisol and dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA) at 12 months old and mental health difficulties, measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), at 36 months old. There was a significant quadratic association between hair cortisol and SDQ scores, with results showing a U-shaped relationship (i.e., having relatively high or low cortisol predicted increased mental health difficulties). DHEA showed a quadratic association with SDQ scores with an inverted U-shaped relationship (i.e., high and low DHEA was associated with decreased mental health difficulties). Results provide evidence of longitudinal and curvilinear effects of cortisol and DHEA during infancy on mental health difficulties in early childhood.

Prevalence Of Behavioural Disorders and Its Correlates Among Adolescents in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka –A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health. This is a time when rapid growth and development takes place. Half of all mental health conditions start by 14 years of age but most cases are undetected and untreated. Behavioural patterns of adolescents are not much explored in India. In this study, we aim to assess the behavioural pattern and its correlates among adolescents in Karwar of Uttara kannada district, Karnataka. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted on adolescents studying in Government Pre-University college of Karwar in the month of June and July 2019.The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess the mental health status of adolescents. The total difficulties score is used to categorize adolescents as normal (0-15) and high [borderline (16-19) and abnormal (20-40)]. Results: Although majority of adolescents were in the normal range, a significant number of adolescents were in borderline (18.4%) and abnormal (14.1%) SDQ scores. Binary logistic regression analysis shows that use of social media, abnormal emotional grade, conduct grade, hyperactivity grade, peer grade and impact grade were found statistically significant. Conclusion: Significant numbers of adolescents were in high range of SDQ scores and suffered from emotional, conduct, prosocial behaviour and hyperactivity problems.

Emotional status and problem behavior of pre-school children according to the pandemic period and occupational status of the mother

ABSTRACT The aim was to compare the emotional status and problem behavior of pre-school children according to their mother’s occupational status in two groups before the pandemic and during the pandemic period. Mothers were asked to fill out a survey form containing sociodemographic characteristics, the Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) . Total ERC and Emotion Regulation Subscale scores were significantly higher and Lability-Negativity Subscale scores, conduct problems, peer relationship problems, internalising scores and total SDQ scores were significantly lower in the pandemic period group than in the pre-pandemic group. The occupational status of mothers in the PanP and Pre-Pan groups did not significantly differ in ERC scores, peer relationship problems scores, and prosocial behavior, whereas, internalization was lower during PanP and was associated with the mother’s occupational status.

Mental Health in Pre-Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: Exploring the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as a Screening Tool in a Follow-Up Study including Multi-Informants.

There is a high prevalence of mental health problems in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Still, knowledge regarding the trajectory of mental health problems throughout childhood and differences according to informants is lacking. There is also a need for more knowledge regarding the validity of mental health screening tools. In the present study, we assessed changes in parent-rated mental health problems in a cohort of 36 children with CP from school-starting age to pre-adolescence and differences in mental health problems according to informants. Further, we assessed the validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for psychiatric disorders. The study cohort was assessed using the SDQ and a child psychiatric diagnostic instrument at school-starting age and at pre-adolescence. Mean parental SDQ scores increased significantly for emotional, hyperactivity and total problems. Self-reported impact of mental health problems was significantly lower than parent-reported impact, and parents and pre-adolescents reported significantly higher mean scores than teachers for emotional problems, conduct problems and total problem scores. Validated against psychiatric disorders, the SDQ was satisfactory for screening children with CP for risk of psychiatric disorders at pre-adolescence. We recommend that mental health screening be integrated into the regular follow-up for children with CP.

Parental sociodemographic characteristics and mental health referrals by nurses in Swedish child health centres.

AimTo explore the influence of parents' socio‐economic characteristics on child healthcare nurses' mental health referrals of 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds and also to test the association between mental health problems and referrals.MethodsRepeated cross‐sectional data including parents' Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) assessments and referral data (psychologist and speech and language pathologist). Hierarchical regression was used to analyse whether parents' country of birth, education level, marital status and mental health problem scores (SDQ; total difficulties and impact scores) were associated with nurses' referrals.ResultsAbout 9% of mothers and 12% of fathers rated high SDQ scores (total difficulties) in their children. Approximately, 1% of the children were referred. The influence of parents' socio‐economic characteristics on referral rates was not observed. However, for children with Swedish‐born mothers, referral rates were significantly lower. Scores for SDQ total difficulties and impact were associated with the child's referral to specialists.ConclusionIn general, parental sociodemographic characteristics do not influence Swedish child healthcare nurses' mental health referrals. Although there was a significant association between problem behaviour and referral, a disproportion between children rated with high SDQ scores (9% and 12%) and children referred to specialists (1%) should be addressed.

What is Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Republic of Georgia?

IntroductionDespite the fact that 95% of all &lt;5 years of age children with developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) live in low- and middle-income countries (LAMI), to date there is an information gap in LAMI studies including Republic of Georgia.ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence and describe the clinical characteristics of ASDs among the third-grade school students using a total population approach.MethodsThe target population (N=27,336) included all 3rd grade students of schools of five main cities of Georgia. The study was conducted in four steps: phase I screening, sampling of screen positive students, phase II confirmative diagnostic assessment, and best-estimate diagnosis. Parents and teachers completed two screening questionnaires in phase I: 27-item Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) and 25-item Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). In phase II, screen-positive children were evaluated using standardized diagnostic assessments.ResultsOverall, 16,654 students (82%) were assessed by either parent and/or teacher. Students whose ASSQ and/or SDQ scores were in the top 10th percentile were considered as screened positive for diagnostic assessment (N=1976). Of 300 students completed diagnostic assessment 53 were diagnosed ASD. Crude prevalence of ASDs was estimated to be 4.5%. 75% of cases of ASD were first diagnosed. Efforts are currently underway to compute adjusted prevalence, which will be available for the Conference presentation.ConclusionsThe prevalence data of ASD is important to assess the burden of the disorder and facilitate better understanding of specifics of the disorder in different part of the world.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Impact of school closures during the pandemic on screen time and behavior of children: Evidence from a developing country

IntroductionSerious concerns regarding the indirect physical and mental health impact of the extended school closure measure to control the spread of the pandemic have been raised, however, the extent of the problem remains unquantified in India.ObjectivesTo examine the impact of school closures on recreational screen time, emotional, and behavioral functioning of school-going children during the pandemic.MethodsThe survey utilized a Google form that was sent to parents of children (6-14 years) through emails and social media platforms. Parents were asked to report on the child’s duration of recreational screen time and whether the child’s overall behavioral functioning had changed since the school closures. The child’s emotional and behavioral functioning was assessed by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The study was cleared by the Ethics committee.ResultsA total of 160 parents were recruited for the study. Overall, a little more one-fourth (28.1%) of the children’s behavior was reported to have worsened. The mean recreational screen time was 2.65 hours (SD=1.89). A significantly higher proportion of children whose behavior worsened after school closures, relative to those whose behavior improved or remained same, had scores in the abnormal range of functioning on three of the subscales of SDQ. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that recreational screen time explained 2% of the variance in the total SDQ score (F=4.18. P=.04).ConclusionsIncrease in psychological services supporting healthy behaviors and anticipatory telehealth consultations for high-risk children and families is the need of the hour to foster psychological wellbeing during the pandemic.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Psychological problems in tunisian children during the covid-19 pandemic

IntroductionThe Covid-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown have profoundly impacted families’ daily life. Children may be among the most exposed to the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic.ObjectivesTo assess the psychological well-being of children during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis was a descriptive study shared on social media during the period from 8 to 20 April 2021, targeting mothers of children aged 2 to 18 years. The first part included socio-demographic data of mothers and children. Then, to assess the behavior and coping skills of children and adolescents, we administered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).ResultsOur study included 65 middle-aged moms = 35.28 years. Among mothers, 1.5% reported having at least one child with a psychiatric, medical or genetic illness. The average age of the children was 8.54 years, the sex ratio was 1.03 and they were in primary school in 52.3%. Moms had talked to their child about COVID in 93.8%, using scientific data in 69.4% of cases. The total average SDQ score was 10.82; and overall mental health was at risk in 15.4% of the children. They had risky emotional symptoms in 9.2%, risky aggressive behaviors in 12.3%, risky hyperactivity-inattention symptoms in 16.9%, relationship behaviors with at-risk pairs in 24.6%, and risky prosocial behavior in 9.2% of cases.ConclusionsResearchers and government officials should be more concerned about the mental health of children who are often neglected as a result of the pandemic due to their comparatively lower mortality than older adults.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

A methodological study to determine emotional and behavioural problems with associated factors among children of institutional homes in Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Background: Children residing in institutional homes are more susceptible to behavioural and emotional problems in comparing to other children in the same age group. It has been discovered that when developmental processes inside the institution are accelerated over time, they can result in restricted cognitive activity and cultural expression patterns. Unresolved negative emotions, such as anger and depression, put children at danger of growing up with harmful emotions.Methods: To study the children's behavioural and emotional problems, in the present study, the sample of 142 people who lived in Raipur's institutional homes were considered. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic information. The behavioural and emotional difficulties in them were assessed using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) with impact supplement. The sex of the children, satisfaction with the food provided, caretaker behaviour, years of stay, and reasons for being at the institution were not shown to be substantially associated with emotional and behavioural difficulties in children in our study.Results: Based on the SDQ, 52.1% children and adolescents in the present study had scores greater than the cut-off score of 28, indicating that those with SDQ scores greater than 28 had some social and behavioural problems, and hence are marked positive for emotional and behavioural problems. The age of the participants was found to be a strong predictor of emotional and behavioural issues.Conclusions: The majority of the subjects were pleased with their caretakers' behaviour, the quality of the water supply, and the sanitary facilities, implying favourable environmental conditions.

Combined toxicity of air pollutants related to e-waste on inflammatory cytokines linked with neurotransmitters and pediatric behavioral problems

E-waste usually refers to the discarded electrical or electronic equipment that is no longer used. Informal e-waste recycling methods, such as burning, roasting, acid leaching, and shredding, had resulted in serious air pollution, which is a prominent risk factor for children’s health. However, the combined toxicity of air pollutants on children’s behavioral health remains unclear. This study collected data on air pollution exposure, calculated the average daily dose (ADD) based on these air pollutants for children in Guiyu (e-waste group, n = 112) and Haojiang (reference group, n = 101), then assessed children’s behavioral health using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and further estimated the associations of ADD, inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, and children’s behavioral problems. Compared with Haojiang, Guiyu has poorer air quality and higher levels of ADD, inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), neurotransmitters (such as DA and SP), and SDQ scores, but lower levels of serum neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels. Spearman correlation analyses indicated that there were significant relationships among inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, and behavioral scores. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that each unit increase in ADD was associated with serum levels of DA and SP, the serum NPY subsequently changed by B (95% CI): 0.99 (0.14, 1.84) nmol/L, 0.25 (0.08, 0.42) ng/mL, and − 0.16 (−0.26, −0.05) ng/mL, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, logistic regression analyses suggested that with each one-fold increase in ADD was associated with the risk of emotional symptoms [OR (95% CI): 18.15 (2.72, 121.06)], hyperactivity-inattention [13.64 (2.28, 81.65)] and total difficulties [8.90 (1.60, 49.35)] and prosocial behavior [− 7.32 (−44.37, −1.21)]. Taken together, this study demonstrates that combined exposure to air pollutants may alter the levels of inflammatory cytokines and serum neurotransmitter to subsequently impact behavioral health in children.

Children's psychosocial state after the 2018 Lombok earthquake.

The current earthquake disaster in Lombok, Indonesia, in July 2018 has caused 564 deaths, and 445.343 were evacuated to refugee camps, including children. Disasters have the potential in resulting short-and long-term effects on the psychological functioning, emotional adjustment, health, and developmental trajectory of children. Nurses play a significant role when a disaster occurs. One of the nurses' roles is to give a traumatic healing intervention to the victims. This study sought to assess children's psychosocial state after the 2018 Lombok earthquake. A total of 189 children from five regencies in Lombok were selected to participate in the study using accidental sampling. Data were collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation were used for data analysis. The participants consisted of 98 girls (51.9%) and 91 boys (48.1%), with the majority (n = 142 [75.1%]) being from school-aged children. The SDQ results showed that most of the children were at the abnormal stage for difficulties (n = 103 [54.5%]), and most of them were at a normal stage for strength (n = 97 [51.3%]). The cross-tabulation analysis revealed that gender might influence the SDQ score for the strength (p = 0.034), but not for difficulties (p = 0.482). However, age did not have a correlation with SDQ score, either for strength (p = 0.475) or difficulties (p = 0.836), respectively. The study found that children in Lombok generally displayed positive behavior and emotional progress after the earthquake. However, some children remained in distress and thus required more observation from parents or other social welfare agencies. This research may help nurses decide on their nursing care for children who experience disasters.

A clinical follow-up study of dialectical behavior therapy skills groups among female adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorder.

Our aim was to evaluate longitudinal data for adolescents who were treated with Dialectical Behavior therapy (DBT) skills groups having been previously diagnosed with depressive disorder. Intervention with an observational cross-sectional design was implemented to evaluate the treatment outcome of a 10-week DBT skills groups with female adolescents with depression. After the patients were identified for enrollment, parents and adolescents were evaluated with psychometric measurements pre-, post-intervention, and at one-year follow-up. Repeated measures analysis was undertaken with the Child Depression Inventory (CDI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for participants. Statistical significance was detected for self-report CDI scores and both self-report and parent SDQ and PedsQL scores. This study is the first DBT intervention in Turkish children, shows that a group DBT skills groups training can be adapted and put into practice successfully with depressed Turkish adolescents.

Park access and mental health among parents and children during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundTime spent outdoors and in nature has been associated with numerous benefits to health and well-being. We examined relationships between park access and mental health for children and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explored associations between park access and co-participation of parent and child in time outdoors, and child and parent physical activity.MethodsWe used data from 1,000 respondents to a nationally representative U.S. survey of parent–child dyads during October–November 2020. Park access was defined as an affirmative response to: “do you have a park that you can safely walk to within 10 min of your home?” Child mental health was operationalized as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) total difficulties score. The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) total score assessed parent mental health and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessed parent physical activity. Child physical activity and co-participation in outdoor activity were reported as number of days in the prior week. Linear regression was used to examine relationships between park access and health outcomes in models adjusted for child and parent characteristics and COVID-19 impact.ResultsOur sample included 500 parents of children ages 6–10 years, and 500 parent–child dyads of children ages 11–17 years. Park access was associated with a lower SDQ total score among children (β: -1.26, 95% CI: -2.25, -0.27) and a lower PHQ-4 total score among parents (β: -0.89, 95% CI: -1.39, -0.40). In models stratified by child age, these associations were observed for SDQ scores among adolescents ages 11–17 and for PHQ-4 scores among parents of children ages 6–10 years. Park access was also associated with 0.50 more days/week of co-participation in outdoor time (95% CI: 0.16, 0.84), and higher levels of parent physical activity (β: 1009 MET-min/week, 95% CI: 301, 1717), but not child physical activity (β: 0.31 days/week, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.66).ConclusionsPark access was associated with better mental health among children and parents, and more parent physical activity and parent–child co-participation in outdooractivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to nearby parks may be an important resource to promote health and well-being, for both individuals and families.

Self-reported mental health in adolescents attending school and its association with later school dropout: A prospective 2.5-year follow-up study.

Mental health problems in young people are associated with educational outcomes. There are persistent difficulties in screening for these problems and mapping the trajectories of mental health in relation to academic and work outcomes. We investigated whether Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scores in adolescents attending school were associated with school dropout in upper secondary school, both in adolescents with already recognised mental disorders and adolescents without known mental disorders. The data consisted of a questionnaire targeting 13,100 adolescents attending the final year of compulsory school combined with data derived from a national register. SDQ scores were divided into normal, borderline and abnormal scores. School dropout in upper secondary school was identified during a 2.5-years follow-up period. We stratified the data by recognised mental disorders. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between SDQ scores and later school dropout with adjustment for parents' mental disorders, parents' educational level, sex, suicidal thoughts, school absence and negative childhood events. During follow-up, 18.5% of adolescents experienced school dropout. Adolescents with abnormally high SDQ scores and borderline SDQ scores had higher odds for school dropout than adolescents with SDQ scores in the normal range. The association remained in the adjusted analysis, although more covariates showed independent contributions in association with school dropout. Self-reported SDQ scores in adolescents attending school were associated with later school dropout irrespective of recognised mental disorders, indicating that markers such as the SDQ might contribute to the identification of vulnerable adolescent groups, although the findings of multifactorial contributions suggest we should consider more indicators in a risk assessment for school dropout.

Decline in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder traits over the life course in the general population: trajectories across five population birth cohorts spanning ages 3 to 45 years.

BackgroundTrajectories of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits spanning early childhood to mid-life have not been described in general populations across different geographical contexts. Population trajectories are crucial to better understanding typical developmental patterns.MethodsWe combined repeated assessments of ADHD traits from five population-based cohorts, spanning ages 3 to 45 years. We used two measures: (i) the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) hyperactive-inattentive subscale (175 831 observations, 29 519 individuals); and (ii) scores from DSM-referenced scales (118 144 observations, 28 685 individuals). Multilevel linear spline models allowed for non-linear change over time and differences between cohorts and raters (parent/teacher/self).ResultsPatterns of age-related change differed by measure, cohort and country: overall, SDQ scores decreased with age, most rapidly declining before age 8 years (-0.157, 95% CI: -0.170, -0.144 per year). The pattern was generally consistent using DSM scores, although with greater between-cohort variation. DSM scores decreased most rapidly between ages 14 and 17 years (-1.32%, 95% CI: -1.471, -1.170 per year). Average scores were consistently lower for females than males (SDQ: -0.818, 95% CI: -0.856, -0.780; DSM: -4.934%, 95% CI: -5.378, -4.489). This sex difference decreased over age for both measures, due to an overall steeper decrease for males.ConclusionsADHD trait scores declined from childhood to mid-life, with marked variation between cohorts. Our results highlight the importance of taking a developmental perspective when considering typical population traits. When interpreting changes in clinical cohorts, it is important to consider the pattern of expected change within the general population, which is influenced by cultural context and measurement.

Emotional and Behavioural Changes in Children and Adolescents and Their Association With Parental Depression During COVID-19 Pandemic: a Pilot Study in Bangladesh.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of children, adolescents, and their parents. This study aimed to assess the emotional and behavioural changes in children and adolescents and their association with parental depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. On 7 May 2020 during COVID-19 lockdown, an online questionnaire was distributed through social media and made available for 10 days. Data were collected from parents of children aged 4 to 17 years. The Bangla version of the parent-rated version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to determine the behavioural and emotional disturbances of the children and adolescents. The Bangla version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess the depression status of parents. There were 512 participants. 21.5% of children and adolescents had emotional and behavioural problems. More boys than girls had abnormal peer relationship problems (21.1% vs 15.4%, p = 0.03). Of the parents, 16.2% had moderate depression, 5.5% moderately severe depression, and 2.9% severe depression. 8.2% and 2.9% of parents reported that it was very difficult and extremely difficult, respectively, to do work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people; the proportion was higher in mothers than fathers (χ2 = 11.4, df = 3, p = 0.01). The PHQ-9 total score of parents mildly correlated with the SDQ score of children and adolescents (r = 0.51, p = 0.01). In multiple linear regression, a combination of parent sex (β = 0.08, p < 0.001), child's history of developmental/psychiatric problems (β = 0.02, p = 0.67), and the SDQ total score of children and adolescents (β = 0.52, p = 0.03) accounted for 27% of the variability in PHQ total score of parents. During lockdown, the prevalence of psychiatric disorder among children and adolescents and their parents increased. The depression status of parents mildly correlated with the behavioural and emotional disturbances of children and adolescents. We recommend opening the schools as soon as the situation improves and developing interventions such as virtual mental health assessment for children and adolescents and their parents.

Linking the Child Behavior Checklist to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) both measure emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents, and scores on the two instruments are highly correlated. When administrative needs compel practitioners to change the instrument used or data from the two measures are combined to perform pooled analyses, it becomes necessary to compare scores on the two instruments. To enable such comparisons, we score linked three domains (Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total Problems) of the CBCL and SDQ in three age groups spanning 2-17 years. After assessing linking assumptions, we compared item response theory (IRT) and equipercentile linking methods to identify the most statistically justifiable link, ultimately selecting equipercentile linking with loglinear smoothing due to its minimal bias and the ability to link raw SDQ scores with both T-scores and raw scores from the CBCL. We derived crosswalk conversion tables to convert scores on one measure to the metric of the other and discuss the use of these tables in research and practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

THE EFFECT OF PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION TO MENTAL HEALTH ON ADOLESCENT

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; During the covid-19 pandemic, there are changes in living habits that must be faced by everyone, including teenagers. Adolescents in orphanages in adjustment experience stress, depression and sleep disturbances that can affect the quality of life. For this reason, progressive muscle relaxation efforts can be used as a way to improve adolescent mental health.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This type of research is an analitic observational. This research was conducted at the Marhdatillah Sukoharjo Orphanage, Central Java. The subjects in this study were 42 people living in the Mardhatillah orphanage which divided into control group (27 people) and intervention group (15 people). In both the control group and the intervention group, mental health assessments were carried out twice. In the intervention group, prior to the second mental health assessment, a progressive muscle relaxation intervention was performed. Data was collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and intervention. Analyzed by independent t-test with SPSS 21.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The results of the independent t test were significant (p=0.042). The control group consisted of 27 subjects with a mean post-test SDQ score of 23.8 (abnormal) and post-test 13.22 (borderline). The intervention group consisted of 15 subjects with a mean SDQ score of 22.2 pre-test (abnormal) and 9.40 post-test (normal).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Progressive muscle relaxation can improve mental health in adolescents who live in the Mardhatillah orphanage, Sukoharjo, Central Java.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;