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. 2008 Jun;58(6):345-9.

Prevalence of behavioural and psychological problems in working children

Salman Bandeali  1 , Ahmed Jawad, Asma Azmatullah, Hammad Bin Liaquat, Iram Aqeel, Aisha Afzal, Azmat Umal, Kashan Abidi, S M Israr
Affiliations
  • PMID: 18988400

Prevalence of behavioural and psychological problems in working children

Salman Bandeali et al. J Pak Med Assoc. 2008 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and screen the nature and types of behavioural and psychological problems among working children in Karachi.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in three urban squatter settlements of Karachi from May to June 2006, targeting working children aged 11-16 years. Behavioural Problems of these children were estimated by using the self reported Urdu version of the Strengths and Difficulty Questionnaire. The results were cross-tabulated using SPSS 13.0 with the identified risk-factors.

Results: Out of a total of 225 respondents, 94.2% (n = 212) males and 5.8% (n = 13) females, the prevalence of Behavioural Problems among working children was found to be 9.8%. Peer problems were most prevalent (16.9%) seconded by Conduct problems (16.7%). Adverse family environment and work environment were closely associated with Behavioural Problems in these children.

Conclusion: Our study reinforces the need for measures to improve the environment of the children and prevent the psychological and behavioural problems associated with working children. Gradual, long-term policies are required to decrease the need for working children, though sudden abolishment would cause more detrimental effects.

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