ABSTRACT
Background: While extensive research data is available on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] from industrialized countries, very few studies have been undertaken in the developing countries including the Arab world
Methods: A representative random sample of school children aged 5 to 16 years was evaluated for the prevalence of ADHD using the Conner Parent and Teacher Scale in Dubai, Al Ain and Ras Al-Khaima to represent the urban, semi-urban and rural population of UAE
Results: The rate of ADHD was 4.1% as per the parent report and 3.4% as per the teacher report. Children with ADHD were noted to have a range of psychiatric co-morbidity
Conclusion: Our findings suggest the importance of comprehensive and early screening program for ADHD and we hope that this data on the prevalence and associated factors can provide the basis for setting priorities and designing interventions
ABSTRACT
To determine the prevalence, socio-demographic correlates and associated psychopathology in children with enuresis. A community survey of a stratified sample of 400 6-16 year old school children was carried out in the Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. Psychiatric disturbance, if any, was ascertained using the Rutter Parent Scale. Thirty-two out of the 400 children [8%] surveyed, reported wetting the bed at least once per week. More boys were affected than girls, and 90% of those with enuresis were aged 6-11 years. Presence of enuresis was found to be associated with psychosocial stress in the family; large family size; a positive family history, poorer scholastic performance and presence of psychiatric disturbance as indicated by the Rutter parent score. Our findings suggest that bed-wetting is a common problem among school children and that they need to be carefully screened for associated psychopathology
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Prevalence , Enuresis/psychology , Child , Epidemiologic StudiesABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and nature of developmental and behavioural disorders among 3-year old UAE national children. From a representative random sample of 2000 houses, 694 households with 3-year old children were included in the study. As per Denver Developmental Screening Test, 8.4% of the sample surveyed had global developmental delay and 9.9% had language delay. On Autism Screening Questionnaire, 0.58% was found to have significant autistic features. 10.5% of children were found to have behavioural problems as per Child Behaviour Checklist. A number of risk factors were identified; some of them unique to this socio-cultural context. None of the children identified through the survey had been previously diagnosed to have such problems, thus missing opportunities for early intervention. This is the first comprehensive epidemiological study of developmental problems in this region and provides a basis for the initiation and development of appropriate services
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child Development , Child Behavior , Child, Preschool , Language Development Disorders , Prevalence , Epidemiologic StudiesABSTRACT
Harter's Self-Perception Profile for children [SPPC] is a self-reporting inventory for ascertaining children's perception of themselves in various specific domains of their life, as well as their sense of global selfworth. A few studies have examined the psychometric properties of this instrument in the Western setting, but none have investigated this in an Arabic culture. Patients and Method: Psychometric properties of the SPPC were examined, using a sample of 100 schoolchildren aged 8 to 16 years in the United Arab Emirates. The internal consistency reliability was found to be excellent with Chronbach's alpha, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92. Significant age and gender differences were found with the internal consistency reliability scores, being higher in children aged 13 to 16 years [0.88 to 0.93] when compared to younger children, especially boys aged 8 to 12 years [0.54 to 0.66], suggesting a need to exercise caution while using this scale in young boys in this culture. Behavioral conduct subscale was found to have the highest reliability score and the strongest correlation to global self-worth [r=0.54] for both younger and older children in our sample. This is in contrast to findings from similar studies carried out on American and Dutch samples, where this subscale was found to have the lowest reliability score and the weakest correlation with one's global self-worth. The findings indicate that the SPPC is a reliable and internally valid instrument for use in the Arab culture
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Reproducibility of Results , Child , CultureABSTRACT
Parents' reports and teachers' reports about children's behaviour were recorded using Rutter's Behaviour Scale for Parents and Rutter's Behaviour Scale for Teachers in 100 school children in Sharjah. United Arab Emirates. In this study, correlation between both informants' scores for individual items ranged from.62 [tears on arrival at school refuse] to. 10 [stomach ache vomiting] and for problem categories ranged from. 18 [emotional problems] to.36 [conduct problems] suggesting a lack of congruence among these two sources. It was also found that agreement between parents and teachers was better for conduct than for emotional problems. Our findings indicate the need for cross-informant assessment in behavioural research in children