A Study of Prevalence of Emotional-Behavioural Problems among Adolescents Studying in Schools and Association with Socio-demographic Factors

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately 10 to 20 % of adolescents experience mental health problems globally and remain undertreated. The aim of this study is to identify emotional-behavioural problems among adolescents studying in schools and its association with socio-demographic variables.
Methodology: A descriptive survey design was used among 804 adolescents in the age group of 13 to 16 years from different schools of Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala (India), by multistage cluster sampling. Socio-demographic variables were collected through structured questionnaire and emotional-behavioural problems (EBP)were assessed by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ11-17), by self-reporting technique. Data were analysed by chi-square test.
Results: Among the 804 adolescents, 244 showed emotional-behavioural problems (30.3%). From the 244 adolescents with EBP, 30 were excluded based on the multiple problems reported from teachers and 214 adolescents were selected for detailed analysis. Based on SDQ score, among the 214 adolescents, 66.4 % showed score of borderline and 33.6 % showed score of abnormal patterns. There was no significant association with type of residence (urban/rural), type of family (nuclear/joint), father’s education (school/college) and mother’s education (school/college) with total difficulties score (TDS), hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems and pro-social behaviour. However, the gender showed significant difference in emotional problems, conduct problems and pro-social behaviour (P = 0.050, < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Majority (71.4 %) of males showed normal score on emotional problems, while in female it was 59.5 % only. The borderline and abnormal was 28.6 % in male and 40.5 % in female. Only 28.4 % male showed normal conduct, while in female it was 71.6 %. The borderline and abnormal was 71.6 % in male and 28.4 % in female. The male showed 72.4 % normal pro-social behaviour, and 27.6 % borderline and abnormal together, while the female showed 89.7 % normal pro-social behaviour, and only 10.3 % borderline and abnormal categories.
Conclusion: The study shows the prevalence of emotional-behavioural problems in school going adolescents is similar to the worldwide status. The problems were not associated with type of residence, type of family, and education of father or mother. However, the gender showed variations that the female showed high emotional problems and high pro-social behaviour with low conduct problems, while the male showed low emotional problems and low pro-social behaviour with high conduct problems.