Abstract:
Objective To investigate the current status of psychological and behavioral problems among preschool children in Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, and to analyze potential influencing factors, providing a reference for targeted formulation of early childhood psychological health care intervention measures and methods.
Methods In April 2024, children aged 4 − 7 years from 4 kindergartens in Wuzhong District were selected using a stratified cluster random sampling method. The Conners parent symptom questionnaire (PSQ) and a self-designed general family situation questionnaire were used to conduct an online survey of their parents. The questionnaire included conduct problems, learning problems, psychosomatic problems, impulsivity-hyperactivity, anxiety, hyperactivity index, and general family situation. The psychological and behavioral problems of the children were analyzed based on the questionnaire content.
Results A total of 927 parents of preschool children were surveyed, with 161 children identified as having psychological and behavioral abnormalities, with an abnormality rate of 17.37%. The abnormality rate of psychological and behavioral problems in urban children (21.93%) was higher than that in rural areas (15.18%), and the abnormal rate in children from private kindergartens (21.28%) was higher than that in children from public kindergartens (15.53%), with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.05). Living in rural areas (OR = 0.683, 95% CI: 0.472 − 0.988) and being from a two-child family (OR = 0.640, 95% CI: 0.442 − 0.928) were protective factors for children’s psychological and behavioral problems; daily screen time > 1 hour (OR = 2.879, 95% CI: 1.719 − 4.822) was a risk factor.
Conclusion The abnormality rate of psychological and behavioral problems among preschool children in Wuzhong District, Suzhou City is relatively high. Prevention should focus on the collaboration of society, families, kindergartens, and medical institutions to adopt targeted intervention measures and promote the psychological health development of preschool children.