Prevalence of Behavior and Emotional Problems (BEPs) in Children Age 2-5
Years Old and Its Determinant Factors
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Behavioral and emotional problems (BEPs) affected a
significant proportion of preschool-aged children. The Covid-19 pandemic
may increase the prevalence and treatment gap. Therefore, assessing
determinant factors is needed to design appropriate prevention and early
interventions. This study aims to assess the prevalence of BEPs in
preschool-aged children in Indonesia and its determinant factors during
the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a community-based
cross-sectional study in the Sleman District, Yogyakarta Special
Province, Indonesia, from July to August 2022. We recruited children
aged 2 to 5 and their parents using the Sleman Health and Demography
Surveillance System framework. We used the Early Childhood Screening
Assessment to detect BEPs in children and parents with a risk of
depression. RESULTS: We recruited 214 children and their caregivers. The
prevalence of BEPs in young children was 17.8%, and 16.8% of parents
have a risk of depression. Based on the multivariate regression
analysis, factors associated with BEPs are males adjusted OR 2.26 (95%
CI:1.01-5.08) and parents with a risk for depression adjusted Odds Ratio
5.11 (95% CI 2.21-11.81). CONCLUSION: Early detection and intervention
of BEPs in children and parents are essential to prevent mental illness
and improve well-being, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.