A Cross Sectional Study on Behavioural Pattern and Its Association with Various Factors among Children Living in Orphanages in Chitradurga, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Orphans are the most underprivileged groups in each society. Children who live in orphanage have
significantly higher rates of growth and development problems, serious mental health problems, and difficulties
accessing health services. Therefore, there is a need to address the needs of this vulnerable group. This study was
conducted with the objective to assess the behavioral pattern of children and its association with various factors
in the orphanage.
Methods: A Cross Sectional Study was conducted among orphanage children for a period of one year and a total
of 297 children between the ages of 6-16 years were included in the study.Their behaviour pattern was assessed
using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scale devised by Goodman which includes emotional
symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems and pro social behavior. Data was analyzed using the
SPSS version 20.
Conclusion: The study revealed that among the various behavioral problems, Peer problems (68.4%) were most
frequently reported, followed by Conduct problems (33.7%). The results also shown that the association between
child’s age and emotional problems was statistically significant at F value (1.819), p value (0.05) as the age advances
the child has more emotional problems.