ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: There is a strong body of evidence advocating parent training programmes in the management of behavioral problems in children. In these programmes, attrition is a major challenge. We aimed to examine the sociodemographic and clinical profiles, parental motivation, and pre-intervention severity of children’s behavioural problems as rated by mothers who completed (PC) and mothers who dropped out (PD) of a parent training programme. We also aimed to determine whether there was any change in their children’s behaviour scores before and after intervention. We hypothesized that parent and child sociodemographic and clinical profiles, parental motivation, and pre-intervention severity of children’s behavioural problems would be different between PC and PD, and that children of PC would experience significant improvements in their behaviour. Methods: Data from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving 35 mothers and children aged 6–12 years old with behavioural problems who were enrolled in a parent training programme were examined. Child behaviour was measured using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results: No significant differences were found between PC and PD in terms of the sociodemographic and clinical profiles, parental motivation, and pre- or post-intervention child behaviour. After programme completion, PC (n=27) reported improvements in all the behaviour subscales; total difficulties (p<0.001), emotional problem (p=0.004), conduct problem (p=0.001), hyperactivity symptoms (p<0.001), peer problems (p=0.036), and prosocial behaviour (p=0.001). Conclusion: The parent training programme produces significant child behaviour improvements in mothers who complete the programme. Nonetheless, the study has some limitations which restrict the generalizability of these findings.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Self-harm is an important global health concern as it is a strong predictor and risk factor for completed suicide. This paper is aimed to estimate the incidence rate of self-harm and to describe the profiles of people who self-harmed in 2011. Methods: This is a descriptive study based on secondary data retrieved from the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Malaysia hospitals’ discharge records from the 1st of January to 31st of December 2011. Results: The overall self-harm rate was 16.6 per 100 000 population (n = 4 815). Adults in the state of Johor had the highest rate of self-harm. There were more female self-harmers within the peak age group of 20-29 years. Indians, Muslims and those who were unmarried had the highest rates of self-harm. Male mostly used unspecified chemical (45.89%) while female used non-opioid analgesics (24.79%). Conclusions: In 2011, the rate of self-harm was 16.6 per 100 000 population with slightly higher rate observed among adult females compared to males and twice as high among girls than boys. Less lethal methods of self-harm were employed.