Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: December | Volume: 8 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 95-101
Prevalence of Behavioural Problems among School Children: A Pilot Study
Nabanita Barman1, Dr. (Mrs.) Mridula Saikia Khanikor2
1M.Sc. Nursing (Psychiatric Nursing), MA (Psychology), PhD Scholar, SSUHS, Guwahati, Assam
2Former Principal, Regional College of Nursing, Guwahati, Assam PhD Guide, SSUHS, Guwahati, Assam
Corresponding Author: Nabanita Barman
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Behavioural problems in children are actually the characteristics that do not meet the criteria of mental disorder, but can lead to the development of mental disorder in later life if not taken care of. Behavioural problems can be of different types- both externalizing and internalizing i.e. hyperactivity, inattention, temper tantrum, depression, anxiety, aggression, disobedience, peer problems, nail biting, thumb sucking, sleep problems etc. Behavioural problems in children should be identified and managed as early as possible to prevent further complications.
Objectives:
The objectives of the study are
- To assess the behavioural problems among school children
- To assess the sociodemographic profile of children with behavioural problems
- To find out the association between behavioural problems and selected demographic variables
Methodology: The present study is a descriptive survey study that is conducted among 50 no of students selected randomly from government primary schools of Baksa District, Assam. The tools used for data collection are strength and difficulty questionnaire (SDQ)-teacher form and socio-demographic proforma for school children. After collecting the data, statistical analysis of data has been done with descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: 18% of the students have abnormal behavioural while 12% have borderline behavioural problems. Highest number of students (26%) has conduct problems. Mean score of externalizing problem is more than that of internalizing problem. There is significant association between emotional problem and age, conduct problem and gender, conduct problem and no of siblings, hyperactivity and religion, prosocial problem and age
Conclusion: Behavioural problems exist at the early stage of human development i.e. childhood. It is important to identify the child with behavioural problems at the earliest where school teachers can take an active role in a country like India, thus reducing the cost of health economy.
Key words: Behavioural problems, prevalence, school children, primary school, socio-demographic factors