The Prevalences of Behavioral Problems in Children and adolescents in Chengdu, Sichuan, China and Associated Risk Factors: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of behavioral problems in children and adolescents in Chengdu, Sichuan, China and the associated risk factors. A questionnaire survey was conducted with the students and their parents or caregivers from five primary and middle schools to investigate the parent-child relationship, family financial situations, health risk behaviors, and behavioral problems. A total of 8157 questionnaires were distributed, and 7928 (97.19%) valid questionnaires were returned. Among the 7928 valid questionnaires, 3846 were completed by female students and their parents or caregivers, and 4082 were completed by male students and their parents or caregivers. The average age of the surveyed students was 10.62 years. The prevalence rate of behavioral problems in children and adolescents was 13.79%, and the prevalence rate of behavioral problems significantly varied by gender and age. The female students had a higher prevalence rate of behavioral problems than male students (14.6% versus 13.0%). The students aged 12-16 years had a higher prevalence rate of behavioral problems than those aged 6-11 years (16.4% versus 12.2%). A correlation between behavioral problems and weekly pocket money was detected in the children and adolescents. Poor parent-child relationships, excessive screen time for both parents and children, short duration of sleep, and excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages could lead to a significant increase to the risk of developing behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Health-risky behaviors in children and adolescents were closely correlated to their behavioral problems. More attention should be paid to encouraging children and adolescents to live healthy lifestyles and tackling their behavioral problems.