Prevalence and pattern of mental health problems.

ABSTRACT

Three hundred and forty eight children of age group 5-15 years were studied. A reporting questionnaire was administered to the parents and then affected children were examined in detail by history, physical examination and mental status examination. Fifty out of 348 children were having mental health problems. Male and first born children were affected more. Common problems observed were poor scholastic performance, enuresis, hyperkinetic syndrome, speech disorders and sleep disorders. In males, poor scholastic performance, hyperkinetic syndrome and temper tantrums were common while in females enuresis, speech disorders and hysterical symptoms were more frequent. Among the adverse perinatal factors of etiological importance low birth weight, difficult deliveries, birth injuries, delayed cry, neonatal jaundice and convulsions were common. Predominant psychosocial stress factors were quarrels between parents, separated parents, deaths of parents, siblings or relatives and chronic illness in the family.