ASSESSMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL & EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING PAEDIATRIC OPD IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Introduction: Behavioural and emotional problems are one of the common problems in children attending paediatric outpatient department. Identication of behavioural and emotional problems is most important not only to prevent further progression of illness but also for proper growth and development of the child. Background: Assessment of behavioural & emotional problems among children of age 3-10 years attending PAEDIATRIC OPD at tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 18 months from 2021- 2023. Study was done on 200 children attending PAEDIATRIC OPD with parent complaining of some behavioural issues. Children were screened using PAEDIATRIC symptom check list (PSC). Results: We found that 22% children had positive PSC score for behavioural problems. Among children 10% children had attention disorder, 6% externalizing and 6% internalizing disorder. Habit problems were found in 22%. Among this main problem was eating disorder (33%), Others included Hyperactivity (9.96%), Thumb sucking (5.62%), Temper Tantrums (26.11%) and bed wetting (15.12%). Conclusion: Identication of behavioural and emotional disorders is most important so that prevention and treatment strategies can be planned as the earliest to prevent psychiatric morbidity in later life.