Multiple risk factors affecting childhood psychosocial dysfunction in primary school Egyptian children

Background Childhood psychosocial dysfunction (CPD) is an important cause of morbidity among children, and its frequency in primary care is growing. The information about its prevalence and risk factors is weak in many developing countries. The study aims to determine the prevalence of psychosocial problems among primary school children and identify the risk factors associated with childhood psychosocial dysfunction. Results A cross-sectional study was conducted on 368 primary school children aged 6-12 years. About (19.0%) of the studied sample had probable CPD according to Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). CPD was statistically associated with older age group, male sex, and low social class. The association between biological and medical risk factors of the studied group and CPD showed statistical significant relations between CPD and low body weight (n = 35, 50.7%), maternal history of problems with pregnancy (n = 26, 66.47%), history of receiving medications during pregnancy (n = 13, 86.7%), abnormal general condition of baby at birth (n = 57, 16.2%), family history of mental disorders (n = 2, 100%), medical history of congenital diseases (n = 9, 90%), acute medical disorders (n = 29, 90.6%), chronic diseases, receiving medications (n = 22, 91.7%), and exposure to trauma (n = 27, 84.4%). Also, The association between psychosocial risk factors and CPD revealed high statistical significant relation between CPD among the studied children and presence of family problems (n = 33, 62.3%), living with single parent (n = 15, 71.4%), parent(s) death (n = 12, 63.2%), major changes in the family (n = 39, 79.6%), parent(s) smoking status (n = 22, 51.2%), and parent(s) addiction (n = 4, 100%). Moreover, there was statistical significant relation between CPD among the studied children and poor academic achievement (n = 19, 27.5%), problems with teachers (n = 25, 33.3%), problems with peers (n = 22, 51.2%), and exposure to violence (n = 56, 22.4%). Conclusions Psychosocial dysfunction is common among Egyptian school children. It is associated with many risk factors. Hence, mental health services should be incorporated into primary health care facilities and school health program. Also, training of family physicians and primary health care providers is crucial.