Authors: Diana Samarakkody Dulitha Fernando Roderick McClure Hemamali Perera Hiranthi De Silva
Publish Date: 2011/04/08
Volume: 47, Issue: 5, Pages: 757-762
Abstract
There is dearth of epidemiological data on externalizing behavior problems among preschool children in many developing countries The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and associated birth childhood and sociodemographic factors of externalizing behavior problems among a community sample of preschool children in Sri LankaMaternal ratings of child behavior were obtained from a communitybased sample of 1117 in the age group of 4–6 years using the Child Behaviour Assessment Instrument which was developed and validated to assess externalizing behavior problems of preschool children In addition mothers responded to a questionnaire on birth and childhood related factors of the index child and sociodemographic status of the familyThe prevalence of externalizing behavior problems was estimated as 192 95 CI 175–209 with the proportion being significantly higher among boys p 00001 Breastfeeding less than 3 months low socioeconomic status and child living with only one parent were identified as independent predictors of externalizing problems of preschool childrenThe study suggests the need for implementation of strategies and policies focusing at population and family level to reduce the burden associated with externalizing behavior problems in preschool children in Sri Lanka and similar developing countries
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