American Journal of Advances in Nursing Research

PERCEIVED BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS OF SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN IN A SELECTED RURAL AREA IN PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT, KERALA

Sheeja Mathew* and Mridula Saikia Khanikor

sheejawilson@gmail.com

Perception, School children, Behavioral problems. Perception, School children, Behavioral problems. Perception, School children, Behavioral problems.

School going children form an important vulnerable segment of the nation’s population. Children in the school- going age group of 5 to 16 years constitute a total of 30% of total population. School age is a dynamic period of physical growth and development, where the child undergoes rapid mental, emotional and social changes. Hence, school- going children are susceptible group for psychiatric disorders especially behavioral problems. The present study was conducted to assess the parents’ community members and teachers’ perception of behavioral problems of school age children and to explore their ideas to address the identified behavioral problems. A qualitative phenomenological design was used for the study. 30 free list interviews and 10 key informant interviews were conducted in a selected rural area in Pathanamthitta district. The study participants were selected using purposive sampling technique. The results revealed not paying attention to studies, getting angry easily and fighting over small issues, disobedience and excessive use of mobile phones were the most reported behavior problems of school age children. Results indicate that community members view the family, community and school environments as being the causes of child behavioral problems, with serious impacts upon children’s personal growth, family harmony and social cohesion. The strategies reported by parents and teachers to manage child behavioral problems were talking, listening, consoling, advising and physical punishment (used as a last resort). It was concluded that multi-level community based interventions targeting the parents, teachers, friends and community people as an acceptable approach to address the identified problems.