Prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among schoolchildren in Herat City,Afghanistan

Background:The prevalence of pediatric mental illnesses has been increasing in recent years,with a great potential to impact on individual's functionality and adaptation in adulthood.Objective:This study aims to assess emotional and behavioral problems among schoolchildren in Herat City of Afghanistan.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on schoolchildren(grade 5-10),between September and November 2021.Sociodemographic data was collected using a paper-based 14-item structured questionnaire.Data on emotional and behavioral problems was collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire(SDQ)based on teachers'and children's report.Statistical analyses were performed in IBM SPSS Statistics(version 27).Results:A total of 418 students,including 190(45.5%)males and 228(54.5%)females with a mean age of 14.1±1.7(11-<18)years were included in the study.The prevalence of students*self-reported total difficulties and prosocial problem were 5.7%and 1.2%,respectively.An insignificant difference was observed between mean total difficulties scores between students'self-reported and teachers'reported SDQ.Gender,grade,concern about shortage of food,and concern about losing house were significantly predicting students'self-reported total difficulties scores.Conclusion:This is the first study to report the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among schoolchildren in Herat City,Afghanistan.This,together with relevant global literature,highlight the need to address pediatric mental health,and provide services aimed at preventing,and treating children with these prob­lems around the world.

Research on the Therapeutic Effect of Sandplay Intervention on Emotional and Behavioral Problems of a Primary School Student

With the aim to explore the therapeutic effect of sandplay therapy on children with emotional and behavioral problems,in this study,a primary school student with emotional and behavioral problems was selected as the research object undergoing 12 times sandplay intervention,combining the methods of observation,interview,and questionnaire.It turns out that:(1)The traumatic theme indicates an overall downward trend in the process of intervention,while the cure theme indicates an overall upward trend.(2)The results of“strengths and difficulties questionnaire”were found to be consistent with the results of descriptive evaluation before and after sandplay intervention.(3)Based on the interview,sandplay,and questionnaire analysis,it is found that sandplay therapy shows a better therapeutic effect on children with emotional and behavioral problems.

Psycho-cognitive behavioral problems in sleep disordered children

Sleep disturbances are common in childhood and adolescence. Sleep problems in early infants tend to be persistent and prominent in preschool and school-aged children. Chronic sleep disorders, especially in young children may lead to neurobehavioral problems and psycho-cognitive impairment. Sleep difficulties may be the result of underlying medical conditions, （breathing disorders） or psychological problems. Research studies have shown the association between sleep disorders and day time cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, poor school performance and inattention in children. Appropriate diagnosis and early management of sleep disorders in children lead to improvement of neurocognitive function and behavioral problems in these children.

Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Left-Behind Children in Impoverished Rural China:A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study of First Grade Junior High School

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems and related factors of left-behind children in impoverished rural China(mainly in thefirst grade of junior high school).Methods:A cross-sectional survey of rural households in 27 poverty-stricken counties in 12 provinces across China was conducted using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire(SDQ).Results:The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in left-behind children was 11.7%,and that of non-left-behind children was 8.9%.There was statistical difference between the two groups(P<0.01).There are no differences between the two groups in terms of the various factors of SDQ.The incidence of insomnia in the left-behind group was 58.3%,which was higher than that in the non-left-behind group 50.9%(P<0.01);loneliness(62.1%vs.51.8%,P<0.01);running away from home(23.1%vs.18.8%,P<0.01),and self-injury behavior(16.8%vs.12.2%,P<0.01).Left-behind children are more likely to have negative psychological feelings including insomnia,loneliness,self-injury,and run away from home.They also experienced more bullying including maliciously teased by peers,intentionally excluded or isolated,physically threatened or intimidated.All of these factors are associated with their abnormal emotional and behavioural development.Conclusion:The incidence of emotional and behavioral problems of left-behind children in rural areas in poverty-stricken areas is significantly higher than that of non-left-behind children;Logistic regression analysis showed that bullying behavior and abnormal psychological characteristics are significantly associated with left-behind adolescents abnormal emotional and behavioral development.

Social Skills and Behavioral Problems in Adolescents with Child Sexual Abuse, and Their Relation to Basal Cortisol

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a stressful associated with alterations in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-adrenal (HPA) axis and behavioral problems. Children and adolescents with history of CSA could have higher cortisol levels, as these have been associated with deleterious changes in brain regions involved in controlling social behavior and self-control. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship among basal cortisol levels, social skills and behavioral problems in adolescents with CSA by evaluating two groups: one consisting of 12 - 15-year-old girls with CSA (n = 23), the other healthy comparison adolescents with no history of child abuse (n = 23). Social skills and behavioral problems were assessed using the Social Skills Improvement System. Three saliva samples were collected from each participant. The girls with CSA had lower social skills and more behavioral problems, as well as, higher cortisol concentrations. Besides, these participants showed significant negative correlations among cortisol levels and social skills, as well as, positive correlations with behavioral problems scales. It is feasible to suggest that the social deficiencies observed in these participants with CSA are related to alterations of the HPA.

Effects of parental empathy and emotion regulation on social competence and emotional/behavioral problems of school‐age children

Importance Parents take the lead in parent–child interactions and their emotion regulation ability and empathy during parenting may be associated with children’s emotional/behavioral problems.However,the specific mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear.Objective The present study aimed to explore the effect of parental empathy and emotional regulation on social competence and emotional/behavioral problems in school‐age children.Methods A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted with 274 parents of 8–11‐year‐old children using Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklist,the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire,and the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy.Results Children with emotional/behavioral problems(n=37)had relatively lower social competence than children in a matched control group(n=37).Compared with the parents of children in the control group,parents of children with emotional/behavioral problems had significantly lower cognitive empathy scores,mainly manifested by low perspective‐taking and online simulation abilities.Mediation analysis showed that parental cognitive empathy had an indirect effect on children’s emotional/behavioral problems through children’s social competence.Interpretation Parental empathy may have a subtle influence on the social competence of school‐aged children,which further affects the severity of children’s emotional/behavioral problems.

STUDY ON INTELLIGENT DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS OF IRON－DEFICIENT SCHOOL CHILDREN

we studied a sample or 433 school children aged 6～14 years with double-blind, placebocontrol.Children Behavior Checklist (CBCL),Conner's questionnaire in all sample and WISC-CR intelligent test in part of it were performed.The study aimed to explore the behavioral and intelligent effects or iron deficiency on school children. The results showed:in the children with poor intellgent quotien (IQ) tested by WISC-CR serum ferritin level was significantly lower than that in the children with normal to (P<0. 01);with analysis or stepwise multiple regression for behavioral problem of children, serum ferritin (SF),free erythroyte protoporphyrin (FEP) and hemoglobin (HB) were taken into the equation suggesting that iron-dericient biochemical index had significant effect on behavioral problem or school children. With factor analysis of Conner's questionnaire, different factor structure between the iron-deficient and normal group was revealed. Therefore,irondeficient group had higher learning problem than normal group.After treatment using iron dextran the differences in the learning problem between the two groups disappeared.

Relationship between Parent-Child Attachment and Problem Behaviors among Chinese Firstborn Children in Family Transitions: A Meta-Analysis

The implementation of China’s three-child fertility policy has led to a notable increase in multiple-child families.Notably,firstborn children experience a significant transition from being an only child to a non-only child.This transition is associated with problematic behaviors,affecting their social adjustment,sibling relationships,and family harmony.Although several studies have examined the relationship between parent-child attachment and problem behaviors exhibited byfirstborn children during family transitions,thefindings have been inconsistent.Hence,a meta-analytic study was undertaken to elucidate the inconsistencies in this relationship and explore the moderating factors that may contribute to these discrepancies.Using a systematic literature retrieval and screening method,12 effect sizes were derived from the 10 eligible articles,encompassing a sample size of 5319.The meta-analysis demonstrated a low negative association between parent-child secure attachment and problem behaviors exhibited byfirstborn children during family transitions.Furthermore,the present study investigates potential moderator factors,such as children’s age and geographic region,to gain a more nuanced understanding of the relationship.Consequently,the establishment of parent-child attachment relationships has the potential to mitigate problem behaviors observed infirst-born children during family transitions.The implications of thesefindings indicate that parents can nurture secure attachment bonds with their children by demonstrating sensitive responsiveness,employing positive parenting practices,and fostering emotional availability.These efforts contribute to the cultivation of secure internal working models and positive behavioral manifestations withinfirst-born children,which in turn affect their relationships with siblings.

Impact of parenting styles on preschoolers’behaviors

In this editorial,I comment on the article“Association of preschool children behavior and emotional problems with the parenting behavior of both parents”which was published in the latest issue of“World Journal of Clinical Cases”that demonstrates the prevalence of behavioral disorders in preschool children.Therefore I am focused on parenting which is the most effective factor shown to affect the development and continuity of these behaviors.The management of child behavior problems is crucial.Children in early ages,especially preschoolers who are in the first 5 years of life,are influenced by dramatic changes in various aspects of development,such as social,emotional,and physical.Also,children experience many changes linked to different developmental tasks,such as discovering themselves,getting new friendships,and adapting to a new environment.In this period,parents have a critical role in supporting child development.If parents do not manage and overcome their child’s misbehavior,it could be transformed into psychosocial problems in adulthood.Parenting is the most powerful predictor in the social development of preschool children.Several studies have shown that to reduce the child’s emotional and behavioral problems,a warm relationship between parents and children is needed.In addition,recent studies have demonstrated significant relationships between family regulation factors and parenting,as well as with child behaviors.

Peer pressure and academic stress among junior high school students:a cross-sectional study

Objective:The objective of the study was to explore the connection between peer pressure and academic stress among junior high school students.Methods:This descriptive correlational study was conducted to investigate the link between perceived peer pressure and academic stress.The study involved a total of 525 adolescents,aged 14-19 years,drawn from 6 public junior high schools(PJHS)in Padang,Indonesia,using purposive sampling.Academic stress and perceived peer pressure were assessed using the Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents(ESSA)and the Perceived Peer Pressure Scale(PPPS).Results:The findings indicated significant variations in stress levels among students in different grade levels(7th,8th,and 9th grades)(P<0.05),while there were no noteworthy differences in peer pressure across these grade levels(P>0.05).Additionally,there was a positive correlation observed between perceived peer pressure and academic stress(r=0.14,P<0.05).Furthermore,multiple regression analyses,incorporating demographic variables and perceived peer pressure as independent factors,yielded statistically significant results(adjusted R^(2)=0.082,F=4.33,P<0.001).Notably,peer pressure had a direct impact on academic stress among adolescents,with class level and parents’educational background mediating the relationship between academic stress and adolescent behavioral problems.Conclusions:These findings underscore the importance of addressing both external and internal factors at the individual,family,school,and societal levels to enhance adolescents’psychological resilience and mitigate problem behaviors.

CHILD'S BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS COMPUTER SCREENING SYSTEM AND IT'S APPLICATION

To programming one Child's Behavior Problems Computer Screening System (CBPCSS), a series of software for analyzing child behavior individual and group sample. According to the worldfamous American ACHENBACH child's behavior checklist, to ensure the screening quality and compatibility of cultures, we revised and standardized the norms of different ages in primary schools and nursery schools in various cities based on the principle of cluster stratified sampling. Then we designed CBPCSS carefully. The system can reliably and rapidly screen an individual child behavior and output the behavior factor curve (appearing in front of the profile). With CBPCSS we can observe the child behavior clearly. It takes twenty times shorter than that of manual screening. On the other hand, CBPCSS has a function of group analysis. The clinical practice proved that CBPCSS could substitute for manual screening completely. It is a powerful tool for social, scientific and pediatric medical workers.

NUMERICAL METHOD OF MIXED FINITE VOLUME-MODIFIED UPWIND FRACTIONAL STEP DIFFERENCE FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE TRANSIENT BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

Transient behavior of three-dimensional semiconductor device with heat conduc- tion is described by a coupled mathematical system of four quasi-linear partial differential equations with initial-boundary value conditions. The electric potential is defined by an ellip- tic equation and it appears in the following three equations via the electric field intensity. The electron concentration and the hole concentration are determined by convection-dominated diffusion equations and the temperature is interpreted by a heat conduction equation. A mixed finite volume element approximation, keeping physical conservation law, is used to get numerical values of the electric potential and the accuracy is improved one order. Two con- centrations and the heat conduction are computed by a fractional step method combined with second-order upwind differences. This method can overcome numerical oscillation, dispersion and decreases computational complexity. Then a three-dimensional problem is solved by computing three successive one-dimensional problems where the method of speedup is used and the computational work is greatly shortened. An optimal second-order error estimate in L2 norm is derived by using prior estimate theory and other special techniques of partial differential equations. This type of mass-conservative parallel method is important and is most valuable in numerical analysis and application of semiconductor device.

ASYMPTOTIC BEHAVIOR FOR A CLASS OF ELLIPTICEQUIVALUED SURFACE BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM WITH DISCONTINUOUS INTERFACE CONDITIONS

Spontaneous potential well-logging is one of the important techniques in petroleum exploitation. A spontaneous potential satisfies an elliptic equivalued surface boundary value problem with discontinuous interface conditions. In practice, the measuring electrode is so small that we can simplify the corresponding equivalued surface to a point. In this paper, we give a positive answer to this approximation process:when the equivalued surface shrinks to a point, the solution of the original equivalued surface boundary value problem converges to the solution of the corresponding limit boundary value problem.

The Relationship between Problem Behavior and Neurotransmitter Deficiency in Adolescents

This study examined the association of problem behavior with neurotransmitter deficiency in adolescents,which would provide new insights into behavioral problems.A total of 1259 students of the seventh grade from 4 middle schools in Wuhan city located in the central China were recruited.With the approval of school and parents,they were invited to complete the Youth Self-Report (YSR) questionnaire and Symptom Scale of Neurotransmitter Deficiency (SSND) questionnaire.Pearson’s bivariate correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficients between each subscale of YSR and SSND ranged from 0.24 to 0.61 with all P【0.01.Canonical correlation analysis indicated that anxiety/depression was interrelated with insufficiency of GABA and 5-HT;aggressive behavior was associated with inadequate GABA;famine of DA influenced the attention problems.It was concluded that neurotransmitter deficiency may cause a series of behavioral and mental problems.

Children＇s Problem Behaviors During Free Time as an Incentive for the Increase in Social Risks and Health Risks

Since children, as a rule, have more free time than adults, it is adults＇ responsibility to provide children with a chance to spend the time of relaxation, play, and fun in a beneficial way. Unfortunately, children＇s spare time is nowadays very frequently organized for the sake of brushing up children＇s knowledge, skills, and competences, which is accomplished by means of escalating extra-curriculum activities. When expressed by teacher and parents, these ambition-related attitudes pave the way for the disappearance of children＇s personal interests and motivations to perform complicated tasks which are perceived as unwanted or obscure by the affected children themselves. This form of adults＇ behavior may lead to the feelings of frustration, stress, demotivation, or rebellion on behalf of their children. The said emotional states, especially in relation to the lack of spontaneous play, give rise to serious psychic dysfunctions, and the instability of children＇s psychic balance. It may also pave the way for various forms of destructive behavior that mostly characterize children of younger school age who are about to start schooling.

Screen Exposure and Behavior Problems among Preschoolers:A Meta-Analysis

Conflicting results have existed in research on the relationship between screen exposure and behavior problems among preschoolers,so it is necessary to clarify the relationship and provide guidelines regulating their screen usage.Through searching and screening of literature,48 independent samples from 43 quantitative studies are included in the meta-analysis,with 76,049 participants.The results show a weak positive correlation between screen exposure and behavior problems among preschoolers(r=0.169).The findings show that preschoolers’age and length of exposure have a significantly moderate effect on the relationship between screen exposure and behavior problems among preschoolers,while media types and study design do not.Additionally,a stronger correlation is observed between excessive screen exposure and behavior problems among preschoolers aged 0-3.Recommendations for the appropriate use of digital media among preschoolers and media education are also presented.

The Relationships between Executive Function and Problem Behavior of Preschool Children:Contextual Specificity and Gender Differences

This study utilized a longitudinal design to examine the relationships between the specific components of executive function(EF)and the internalizing and externalizing behavior across different genders and contexts in Chinese cultural background.Inhibition,cognitive flexibility,and working memory of EF based on 101 preschool children’s(48 boys and 53 girls)(M_(T1)=4.25,SD=0.76)performances were measured when completing tasks in NIH Toolbox.Twelve months later,boys’and girls’internalizing and externalizing behavior in home-and school-settings was assessed through mother’s feedback on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and teachers’reports of the Child Behavior Rating Scale.The results show that boys’inhibition,cognitive flexibility,and working memory negatively predict their externalizing behavior in the home context,while their cognitive flexibility negatively predicts externalizing behavior in the school context.Additionally,boys’inhibition positively predicts their internalizing behavior only in the school context.For girls,their cognitive flexibility positively predicts externalizing behavior only in the school context.No significant relationship is found among the girls between EF and problem behavior in the home context.These findings suggest that gender differences and a shift in contexts could alternate the relationship between EF and children’s problem behavior.This study sheds light on targeted preventions and interventions based on contexts and gender.

Risk Factors of Learning Disabilities in Chinese Children in Wuhan

Objective To investigate prevalence rate of learning disabilities (LD) in Chinese children, and to explore related risk factors, and to provide theoretical basis for preventing such disabilities. Methods One thousand and one hundred fifty one children were randomly selected in primary schools. According to criteria set by ICD-10, 118 children diagnosed as LD were classified into the study group. Four hundred and ninety one children were classified into the normal control group. Five hundred and forty two children were classified into the excellent control group. The study instruments included PRS (The pupil rating scale revised screening for learning disabilities), Conners' children behavior check-list taken by parents and YG-WR character check-list. Results The prevalence rate of LD in Chinese children was 10.3%. Significant differences were observed between LD and normally learning children, and between the LD group and the excellent group, in terms of scores of Conners' behavior check-list (P<0.05). The study further showed that individual differences in character between the LD group and the control groups still existed even after controlling individual differences in age, IQ, and gender. Some possible causal explanations contributing to LD were improper teaching by parents, low educational level of the parents, and children's characteristics and social relationships. Conclusion These data underscore the fact that LD is a serious national public health problem in China. LD is resulted from a number of factors. Good studying and living environments should be created for LD children.

Effect of gluten free diet on gastrointestinal and behavioral indices for children with autism spectrum disorders:a randomized clinical trial

Background:Genetic and environmental factors are both responsible for the etiology of autism spectrum disorders(ASD).Although epidemiological studies have been conducted to clarify the association between restriction diets and ASD,the conclusion remains unclear.This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of gluten free diet(GFD)on gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral indices in children with ASD.Methods:In this randomized clinical trial,80 children diagnosed with ASD by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised(ADI-R)were assigned into GFD(n=40)and regular diet(RD)(n=40)groups for 6 weeks.At the beginning and end of the intervention,the ROMEШquestionnaire for evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms and Gilliam Autism Rating Scale 2 questionnaire(GARS-2)for assessing psychometric properties were completed.Results:Of the 80 children,53.9%had gastrointestinal abnormalities.In the GFD group,the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms decreased significantly(P<0.05)after intake of GFD(40.57%vs.17.10%)but increased insignificantly in the RD group(42.45%vs.44.05%).GFD intervention resulted in a significant decrease in behavioral disorders(80.03±14.07 vs.75.82±15.37,P<0.05)but an insignificant increase in the RD group(79.92±15.49 vs.80.92±16.24).Conclusion:This study suggested that GFD may be effective in controlling gastrointestinal symptoms and ASD behaviors.

Memory and behavior-related problems of patients with neurocognitive disorders and the attitudes of their caregivers

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the memory and behavior-related problems of patients with neurocognitive disorders and the attitudes of their caregivers so as to provide an effective basis for nursing interventions against such problems.Methods:The subjects were selected from patients who were under treatment or short-term hospitalization between April 2011 and March 2012.One hundred fifty-three patients with neurocognitive disorders and their major caregivers were selected from 9 grade 3 Class A hospitals of Hunan Province.The Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist(RMBPC)was used to measure the memory and behavior-related problems of patients with neurocognitive disorders and the influence on their caregivers.The occurrence of different memory and behavior-related prob-lems and the distress on their caregivers was compared.Results:The RMBPC investigation showed that among 153 patients and their caregivers,152(99.3%)had memory-related problems,137(89.5%)had depression,and 136 patients(88.9%)had destructive behaviors.The incidence of memory-related problems was higher than depression and destructive behaviors(P<0.01).Caregivers bore more distress when encountering destructive behaviors(1.95±1.13 points)than memory-related problems and depression(0.91±0.76 points and 0.89±0.85 points;P<0.01).Curve fitting was used to analyze the relationship between the number of memory and behavior-related problems and the distress on their caregivers.A curve correlation existed between the two factors(the recorded maximum value of the Cubic equation curve was 0.278,F=229.212,P<0.05).Conclusion:Among patients with neurocognitive disorders,memory-related problems had the highest incidence,while the caregivers bore the strongest distress when encountering destructive behaviors,thus interventions should be conducted in consideration of patient memory and behavior-related problems,and caregivers’attitude to further reduce caregiver burden.