ABSTRACT

Purpose:

To determine the frequency of family-reported behavioral problems in children aged 5-12 attending kindergarten or the 1st-5th grade of primary schools located in Ankara city center.

Materials and Methods:

Eleven primary schools in Ankara city center were selected and a survey form distributed to 7042 students for their parents to complete. 5988 of these forms were returned by the parents. The rate of participation was 85%.

Results:

50.1% of the study subjects were male. According to the family reports, 76.5% (n=4851) showed at least one behavioral problem. When hyperactivity was excluded, it decreased to 59.4%. Hyperactivity was reported in 44.6% and excessive fear of something in 16.8%. Nail biting was reported in 14.0%. Encopresis and daytime enuresis were reported in 2.2% and 2.1%, respectively. The frequency of behavioral problems was higher in males and in the left-handed (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The results of this study are solely derived from the questionnaires completed by the families. The next planned stage of the study was to have a specialist evaluate and, if necessary, treat the children whose families have reported behavioral problems.