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Predictors of emotional and behavioural problems amongst children of North East India: A hospital-based study

Mental health problems in early childhood have negative consequences in later life, and risk factors put an extra burden on their health outcome. Hence, researchers aimed to determine the predictors of emotional and behavioural problems amongst the children. A quantitative approach and cross-sectional descriptive design was used to conduct this study amongst 100 parents of children who attended a Tertiary Mental Healthcare Institute of North East India. Participants were selected by using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by using Socio Demographic Proforma, Alabama Parenting Questionnaire and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using stepwise multiple linear regression techniques to determine predictors of emotional and behavioural problems amongst the children. Findings revealed that age of the child and inconsistent discipline are the significant predictors of the emotional problems, poor monitoring/supervision is the significant predictor of conduct problems, age of the child, poor monitoring/supervision and inconsistent discipline are significant predictors of hyperactivity; gender of the child is the significant predictor of peer problems and poor monitoring/supervision and corporal punishment are the significant predictors of the total difficulties. Findings also revealed that positive involvement is the significant predictor of pro-social behaviour. These findings confirmed that negative parenting practices, age and gender of the child are the risk factors for the emotional and behavioural problems amongst the children. Therefore, health professionals working with children need to consider these factors in planning a comprehensive intervention package for better outcome.