Journal of Disease and Global Health

Background: Emotional and behavioral problems are among the most prevalent chronic health conditions of childhood and often have serious negative consequences on a child’s academic achievement and social development. Furthermore, these problems can be a real source of stress for them, their family and the community.

Objectives: To study parental and social related risk factors of the emotional and behavioral disorders among adolescent groups in UAE.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in governmental and private preparatory and secondary schools in Dubai. The age range of the self-reported strength and difficulties questionnaire that was used in the study is between 11-17 years old. The minimum 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: Parents death was associated with the highest percentage of abnormal emotional symptoms; conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer problems (20%, 24.4%, 24.4% & 4.4% respectively). Bad relationship between parents had borderline peer (31.6% versus 17.0%, p=0.011). Fathers having more than one wife tend to have abnormal emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer problems (21.5%, 18.1%, 18.1% and 8.3% respectively). Bad relationship with friends had the highest percentage of abnormal emotional symptoms; conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer problems (26.1%, 34.8%, 21.7% & 39.1% respectively).

Conclusion: Parental and social factors found to be significant predictors associated with high risk of having emotional and behavioral disorder. More than half of the students reported abnormal impact score of overall distress and social impairment. Parents need education about the importance of maintaining a good relationship with their children and the impact of it. Parental counseling is necessary to inform them about the influence of emotional and behavioral disorder on their children. Evidence-based interventions are also necessary to help parents manage emotional and behavioral problems as early as possible.