EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS RELATED TO MEDICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN UAE
H. A. AL AWADHI
Health Centers Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
W. AL FAISAL *
Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
H. Y. HUSSEIN
Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
A. S. WASFY
Research and Statistics Department, Ministry of Health, Dubai, UAE
N. H. MAHDY
Health Centers Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
M. AL SHAALI
Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Child's physical illness whether acute or chronic has been identified as one of the important determinants of child's behavioral and emotional symptomatology.
Objectives: To study the impact of medical family History on behavioral and emotional disorders among adolescent groups in UAE.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in both preparatory and secondary schools in Dubai. The sample size required was 1679. Stratified random sample procedure with proportional allocation was carried out. Stratification was based upon regions, gender and type of school. Anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed by the researcher to the students.
Results: Students with chronic illness demonstrated higher significant percentage of abnormal emotional symptoms, hyperactivity and peer problem (21.5%, 14.5% & 7.5% respectively). The same pattern was observed regarding history of serious injury or surgery. It was found that students with serious injury showed statistically significant higher abnormal emotional symptom, conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer problems (16.9%, 18%, 13.4% & 7.6% respectively). These differences were statistically significant. As regards family history, the illustrated that students with family history of psychological disorder showed higher percentage of abnormal emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer problems (26.7%, 27.8%, 28.9% & 11.1% respectively). These differences were statistically significant. It was shown that students with family history of chronic diseases had the higher percentage of abnormal emotional symptoms and hyperactivity.
Conclusion: The study concluded that Medical family history has great impact on emotional and behavioral disorders among adolescents. Prevention of such disorders needs real investments in the medical family History, and establishing earlier interventions targeting medical risk factor among high risk families for emotional and behavioral disorders among adolescents.
Keywords: Family history, emotional, behavioral disorders, adolescent, UAE