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. 2016 Aug;47(4):529-38.
doi: 10.1007/s10578-015-0586-3.

Mental Health Problems Among Preschoolers in Germany: Results of the BELLA Preschool Study

Olga Wlodarczyk  1 , Silke Pawils  2 , Franka Metzner  2 , Levente Kriston  2 , Carolin Wendt  2 , Fionna Klasen  3 , Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer  3 ; BELLA Study Group
Affiliations

Mental Health Problems Among Preschoolers in Germany: Results of the BELLA Preschool Study

Olga Wlodarczyk et al. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2016 Aug.

Abstract

In a cross-sectional study, the prevalence rates of overall and specific mental health problems (MHP), as well as consequential impairments, were examined in a representative community sample of German preschoolers. MHP in 391 children were assessed by applying the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, as well as its impact supplement. Furthermore, the child behaviour checklist 1½-5 (CBCL 1½-5) and the IOWA-Conners behaviour rating scale were applied. Prevalence rates of MHP with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were determined. Odds ratios were calculated to analyse the relationships between MHP, age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical region using logistic regression. Overall, 7.4 % of the children showed symptoms of MHP. 12.9 % of the children were considered to be impaired by psychosocial problems. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were present in 4.2 % of the children; 11.8 % showed hyperactivity symptoms. The observed prevalence rates call for early mental health prevention in preschoolers.

Keywords: Cross-sectional studies; Mental health; Preschool children; Prevalence.

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