Prevalence of behaviour problems in Ajmer school children.

In a questionnaire survey of 10,000 primary school children, parents and teachers reported behaviour problems in 38% of 6199 children on whom complete information was made available. Categorization of 3572 behaviour problems according to a modified APA-DSM II classification showed aggressive reactions to be the commonest (22.7%). This was followed by disorders of sleep (17.1%), unsocial aggressive reactions (15.5%), aggressive-regressive reactions (13.5%), regressive reactions (10.7%), school grade problems (8.7%) and others. Significant influence of sex, age and socio-economic class was noted on the overall prevalence, and prevalence of specific behaviour problems. A general lack of awareness among the parents about the childhood behavioural problems was noticeable from the pattern of utilization of the pediatric outpatient services in the study area. There is a need to educate parents on behaviour of children and the significance of behavioural deviations.