Psychiatric morbidity in school going children of Bikaner

Abstract

Background: Psychiatry morbidity is a reality in our present day society. Its measurement requires a proper, standardized, screening tool and an extensively researched classification of psychiatric ailments. This study aims to determine prevalence of psychiatric disorders and pattern of psychiatric disorders, associated socio demographic variables in school going children.

Methods: The study was undertaken during 2004-2005. The sample of 500 children was drawn from children in the age group of 4-11 years from schools of Bikaner. All children in the selected sample were subjected to a screening for psychiatric symptoms by interviewing the parents of the children using childhood psychopathology score (CPMS). A score of 10 or above indicates the possibility of psychiatric morbidity among Indian children. All collected data were tabulated and statically analyzed.

Results: prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children was found to be 10.2%. conduct disorder was most common psychiatric disorder observed (31.4%) followed by anxiety disorders (21.6%).prevalence was more in children of male sex, nuclear families, higher birth orders and higher educated parents.

Conclusion: epidemiological studies should start early in childhood and carried longitudinally for development of preventive, promotive and curative programme in the community.