Emotional and behavioral status and associated factors among inmates aged 11-16 years of Children’s Homes in the Gampaha Probationary Division

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Emotional and behavioral disorders are common among inmates of Children’s Homes due to lack of love, affection and care available compared to their counterparts living with parents. OBJECTIVE: To describe the emotional and behavioral status and the associated factors among inmates aged 11-16 years of Children’s Homes in the Gampaha Probationary Division. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross sectional study. All eligible inmates of 14 Children’s Homes in Gampaha Probationary Division were recruited. Study instruments comprised, self-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, interviewer administered questionnaire on socio demographic and other relevant factors and a checklist. Associations were tested using chi square test. A probability of <0.05 was considered significant. The results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Response rate was 100% (n=279). The prevalence of abnormal emotional and behavioral status (E&BS) was 26.2% (95% CI: 21.1-31.7). Conduct problems were the highest (28.7%; 95% CI: 23.4-34.4) and prosocial problems were the lowest (3.6%; 95% CI: 1.7-6.5). Female sex (OR= 3.1; 95% CI: 1.7-5.9, p<0.001), living in Children’s Homes for more than six years (OR= 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–4.0, p= 0.01), having less than 10 friends (OR= 1.8; 95% CI: 1.03-3.1, p = 0.04) and keeping problems to themselves (OR= 8.2; 95% CI: 3.5-19.7, p<0.001) were significantly associated with having abnormal E&BS. CONCLUSIONS: Observed prevalence of E&BS was higher than figures from general population which was 18.9%. Except “sex”, all other associated factors are modifiable. Recommend early screening and establishment of counseling services.