DETERMINANTS AND PREDICTORS OF EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDER AMONG ADOLESCENT IN UAE

Background: UAE is considered a developing country, where rapid social change has brought about increasing stresses on family life together along with an increase in behavioral problems in children. In addition, one third of the populations in UAE are children and adolescents younger than 18 years. Though risk factors may not necessarily be causal in nature, the identification and awareness of such factors by introducing simple forms of mental health screening and mental health care delivery programs will help clinicians in the detection and prevention of childhood mental health problems.

Objectives: To study the Risk factors, determinants and predictors for emotional and behavioral disorders among adolescent Groups in UAE.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in both preparatory and secondary schools in Dubai, (Both Governmental and Private). 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: Stepwise logistic regression of factors contributing to total emotional and behavioral disorder among study sample of preparatory and secondary school students, Dubai 2012, revealed that, there was twelve significant predictors affecting emotional and behavioral disorder which are: type of school, sex, monthly income, relationship with parents, siblings, teachers, and friends, chronic illness, family history of psychological disorder, exposure to stressful event in the past year, exposure to violence from any one of the parents and involvement in fighting or beating with other students in school.

Conclusions: The most significant predictors affecting emotional and behavioral disorder are: Family history of psychological disorder, and exposure to stressful event in the past year. There is a need for parents education about the importance of maintaining a good relationship with their children. Parental counseling is necessary to inform them about the influence of EBD on their children. In addition to evidence-based interventions to help parents manage early emotional and behavioral problems.