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Prevalence of externalizing behavior problems in Sri Lankan preschool children: birth, childhood, and sociodemographic risk factors

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Abstract

Purpose

There is dearth of epidemiological data on externalizing behavior problems among preschool children in many developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and associated birth, childhood, and sociodemographic factors of externalizing behavior problems among a community sample of preschool children in Sri Lanka.

Methods

Maternal ratings of child behavior were obtained from a community-based sample of 1,117 in the age group of 4–6 years using the Child Behaviour Assessment Instrument, which was developed and validated to assess externalizing behavior problems of preschool children. In addition, mothers responded to a questionnaire on birth and childhood related factors of the index child and sociodemographic status of the family.

Results

The prevalence of externalizing behavior problems was estimated as 19.2% (95% CI 17.5–20.9%) with the proportion being significantly higher among boys (p < 0.0001). Breast-feeding less than 3 months, low socioeconomic status, and child living with only one parent were identified as independent predictors of externalizing problems of preschool children.

Conclusions

The study suggests the need for implementation of strategies and policies focusing at population and family level to reduce the burden associated with externalizing behavior problems in preschool children in Sri Lanka and similar developing countries.

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Notes

  1. In Sri Lanka, a population of approximately 4,000, residing in a defined geographical area is under the care of a Public Health Midwife (PHM), the grass root level health worker, mainly responsible for maternal and child health activities.

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Acknowledgments

Financial assistance for this study was provided by the World Health Organization. We are grateful to the children and parents who participated in this research. We gratefully acknowledge Dr. Lesley Day for revising the manuscript critically.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka

    Diana Samarakkody & Dulitha Fernando

  2. Monash University Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Room 114, Building 70, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia

    Diana Samarakkody & Roderick McClure

  3. Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka

    Hemamali Perera

  4. Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka

    Hiranthi De Silva

Authors
  1. Diana Samarakkody
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  2. Dulitha Fernando
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  3. Roderick McClure
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  4. Hemamali Perera
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  5. Hiranthi De Silva
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Correspondence to Diana Samarakkody.

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Samarakkody, D., Fernando, D., McClure, R. et al. Prevalence of externalizing behavior problems in Sri Lankan preschool children: birth, childhood, and sociodemographic risk factors. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 47, 757–762 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-011-0377-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-011-0377-5

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