Prevalence of behavioral disorders among preschool children

Detailed assessment of behavioral disorders is of high importance, especially in preschool children. The present study aimed to compare the prevalence of behavioral disorders between preschool boys and girls and suggestion about strategies for reduction these problems.

Statistical community of this descriptive study was all preschool children aged 1.5-7 years residing in Tehran during 2010-11. The study population included 2000 children were selected through multistage sampling. Each child’s mother completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi square and SPSS software version 18.

Total cases are 1977 persons included 957 boys (48.4%) and 1020 girls (51.6%). Findings indicated that attention problem was the most common disorder among preschool boys (6.1%) while emotionally reactive was the most common problem among preschool girls (17.2%). In addition, the most prevalent disorder before age 5 was emotionally reactive (11.3%). The most common disorders between ages 5 to 7 were emotionally reactive (10.7%) and somatic complaints (10.3%). In most of the behavioral problem subscales, girls experienced more problems compared to boys (P=0.001).

Based on the results, in most of the behavioral problem subscales, girls experienced more problems compared to boys. The prevalence rate of behavioral disorders is relatively high in preschools. The issue therefore requires serious attention from mental health services authorities.