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Prevalence and pattern of mental health problems
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This study found that 14.4% of children aged 5-15 experienced mental health problems, with males and firstborns more affected. Common issues included poor scholastic performance and behavioral disorders, linked to perinatal and psychosocial factors.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Pediatric Mental Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Childhood mental health issues are prevalent but often underdiagnosed.
- Identifying etiological factors is crucial for early intervention and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of mental health problems in children aged 5-15 years.
- To identify common mental health issues and associated risk factors in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 348 children aged 5-15 years.
- Parental questionnaires, detailed clinical history, physical examination, and mental status examination were utilized.
- Data analysis focused on prevalence, common disorders, and correlation with perinatal and psychosocial factors.
Main Results:
- Fifty out of 348 children (14.4%) presented with mental health problems.
- Males and firstborn children showed higher prevalence.
- Commonly observed problems included poor scholastic performance, enuresis, hyperkinetic syndrome, speech disorders, and sleep disorders.
- Specific gender differences were noted, with males more prone to scholastic issues and temper tantrums, and females to enuresis and hysterical symptoms.
- Adverse perinatal factors (low birth weight, difficult deliveries, birth injuries, neonatal jaundice) and psychosocial stressors (parental conflict, parental death, family illness) were frequently associated.
Conclusions:
- Mental health problems represent a significant concern in school-aged children.
- Perinatal complications and psychosocial adversity are critical etiological factors.
- Early identification and targeted interventions addressing these risk factors are essential for improving child mental well-being.
Abstract:
Three hundred and forty eight children of age group 5-15 years were studied. A reporting questionnaire was administered to the parents and then affected children were examined in detail by history, physical examination and mental status examination. Fifty out of 348 children were having mental health problems. Male and first born children were affected more. Common problems observed were poor scholastic performance, enuresis, hyperkinetic syndrome, speech disorders and sleep disorders. In males, poor scholastic performance, hyperkinetic syndrome and temper tantrums were common while in females enuresis, speech disorders and hysterical symptoms were more frequent. Among the adverse perinatal factors of etiological importance low birth weight, difficult deliveries, birth injuries, delayed cry, neonatal jaundice and convulsions were common. Predominant psychosocial stress factors were quarrels between parents, separated parents, deaths of parents, siblings or relatives and chronic illness in the family.