Behaviour problems in young children in rural Bangladesh.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of child behaviour problems reported by parents in rural Bangladesh.


METHODS
A total of 4,003 children aged 2-9 years were identified during a population-based survey of 2,231 households. A predetermined sample of 499 was selected, of which health professionals saw 453 (90.8%) for structured physical and neurological examination, standardized testing of cognition and adaptive behaviour and parent report of developmental history and behaviour problems.


RESULTS
The prevalence of behaviour impairments was 14.6% (95% CI 11.4, 17.9). The majority involved somatic complaints, including nocturnal enuresis and pica. Problems such as aggression or restlessness were infrequently reported. Behaviour impairments were significantly associated with malnutrition (prevalence ratio 2.1, 95% CI 1.2, 3.6, p < 0.01) and cognitive, motor or seizure disabilities (prevalence ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.1, 2.9, p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence and nature of reported behaviour impairments in rural Bangladesh have implications for public health planning and delivery of health services.
Khan
Naila Z
NZ
Child Development and Neurology Unit, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Ferdous
Shamim
S
Islam
Robiul
R
Sultana
Afroza
A
Durkin
Maureen
M
McConachie
Helen
H
D001459:Bangladesh / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003710:Demography; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D053206:Nocturnal Enuresis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010842:Pica / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires