Mental health problems among 10-year-old children in Thai Nguyen and associated factors
Main Article Content
Abstract
The study aims to identify mental health problems using the SDQ scale and influencing factors in 10-year-old children in Thai Nguyen province. This cohort study was conducted on children whose mothers received micronutrient supplementation before and during pregnancy in 20 communes across 4 districts. The results indicate the prevalence of emotional problems 7.43%, behavioral problems 6.89%, hyperactivity 1.94%, peer relationship difficulties 13.56%, and overall difficulties 3.88% among children. Males were at a higher risk than females for overall difficulties 2.15 times, behavioral problems 2.39 times, hyperactivity 2.47 times, and peer relationship difficulties 1.79 times. Maternal depression before birth and during the child's early years 1 - 2 years old did not have a significant impact on the child's mental health. However, from age 6, this impact became more pronounced, particularly at age 10, when the risk of overall difficulties, emotional problems, behavioral issues, hyperactivity, and peer relationship difficulties increased significantly. These findings underscore the importance of providing not only nutritional support but also psychological support to mothers during key developmental stages of their children to mitigate negative effects on children's mental health in the future.
Article Details
Keywords
Mental health, emotional problems, behavioral problems, hyperactivity problems, maternal depression
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