Abstract:
This cross sectional exploratory random survey of 1125 middle-high school urban children seeks to estimate the nature, content, type, frequency, intensity and extensity of their behavior problems in relation to socio-demographic variables. A 30-item self reporting instrument involving 3-point response format show parent occupation and paternal education influence problem behavior. A majority fall under ‘mild’ (N: 374; 33.24 %) and/or ‘moderate’ (N: 47; 4.18 %) levels of behavior problems. These trends are shared across certain child characteristics (p: >0.05). A dichotomized domain-item analysis show greater ‘internalizing’ than ‘externalizing’ problem behaviors. Results have implication for school mental health programs in the country.