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Factors Associated with Mental Health Problems among Malaysian Children: A Large Population-Based Study

Norhafizah Sahril1, Noor Ani Ahmad1, Idayu Badilla Idris2

  • 1Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Setia Alam, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Childhood mental health issues affect 11.1% of Malaysian children, increasing with parental mental health problems and lower socioeconomic status. Age was found to be a protective factor, with mental health problems decreasing by 5% annually.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Public Health
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Mental health problems in children pose a significant public health challenge, impacting development and academic success.
  • Understanding the prevalence and associated factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • Malaysia faces a considerable burden of childhood mental health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of mental health problems in Malaysian children aged 5-15.
  • To identify demographic and familial factors associated with childhood mental health problems.
  • To inform public health strategies for child mental well-being in Malaysia.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015.
  • Utilized the validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for assessment.
  • Employed multiple logistic regression to identify significant risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Overall prevalence of mental health problems among Malaysian children was 11.1%.
  • Older age was associated with a decreased likelihood of mental health problems (5% reduction per year).
  • Risk factors included paternal non-formal education, parental divorce/widowhood, parental mental health issues, and lower socioeconomic status.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood mental health problems are prevalent in Malaysia, influenced by socioeconomic and familial factors.
  • Parental mental health status is a significant predictor of a child's mental health.
  • Interventions should consider socioeconomic support and parental mental well-being programs.

Keywords:
National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS)childrenmental health

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