Prevalence of mental health disorders amongst 5-11 year old primary school children in Karachi, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of common psychiatric disorders among Pakistani primary school children. Two-stage cross sectional survey. The two-stage study was conducted in private, government and community primary schools in Karachi Pakistan during January 2006 to June 2007. A two-phase cross sectional survey of 5-11 year-old primary school children in Karachi was carried out. In the first screening phase, broad morbidity rates were measured using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ]. A total of 968 parents and 793 teachers participated in the study. In the second phase, 100 children were randomly selected for a diagnostic interview using the Urdu version of Kiddie Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children. Results indicated a weighted prevalence of 17% common child psychiatric disorder among primary school children in Pakistan, with a preponderance of behavioural disorders, followed by anxiety and mood disorders. This exploratory study suggests estimates of child psychiatric disorders in Pakistan are slightly higher than other countries, and highlights the necessity of establishing service networks to meet children's mental health needs