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. 2016 Apr-Jun;41(2):146-50.
doi: 10.4103/0970-0218.177536.

Assessment of Self-Reported Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties Among Pre-University College Students in Bangalore, India

Poornima Bhola  1 , Vidya Sathyanarayanan  2 , Dorothy P Rekha  3 , Sheila Daniel  4 , Tinku Thomas  5
Affiliations

Assessment of Self-Reported Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties Among Pre-University College Students in Bangalore, India

Poornima Bhola et al. Indian J Community Med. 2016 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Background: The understanding of youth mental health needs and development of service delivery models is a national public health challenge.

Objectives: The rates and predictors of emotional and behavioral problems among 1087 youth were assessed in a pre-university college in Bangalore, India. Variations in rates of disturbance, identified by using different cut-off points, were also examined.

Materials and methods: The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used as a self-report screening tool.

Results: Results indicated that 10.1% of adolescents had total difficulty levels in the abnormal range, with 9% at risk for emotional symptoms, 13% for conduct problems, 12.6% for hyperactivity/inattention and 9.4% for peer problems. Select gender differences were present. Cut-off scores derived from the sample yielded lower estimates of disturbance than the published cut-offs. Regression analysis identified predictors of total difficulty levels.

Conclusions: Implications for assessment of youth mental health and planning targeted services in educational institutions are discussed.

Keywords: Adolescents; India; emotional and behavioral difficulties; strengths and difficulties questionnaire; youth mental health.

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