Abstract:
Introduction: Adolescents between 10 and 19 years of age are the stage of transition from
immaturity of childhood to the maturity of adulthood. During this transition, physical,
psychological, and behavioral change takes place. Evidences shows, emotional and behavioral
problem (EBPs) during this stage is higher due to different stressors. However, such data is little
in low and middle income countries like Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of emotional and behavioral
problems among adolescents in public schools of Samara Logia town, Afar Regional State,
Northeast Ethiopia in 2019.
Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted by screening 622 adolescents
using validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) self-reported version. Multistage
sampling was used to select study participants. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21.
Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were carried out to identify associated
factors of EBPs. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% CI was used to report strength of association
between exposure and outcome variables. Level of significance was determined at p-value <0.05.
Results: In this study, 346 (55.6%) males and 276 (44.4%) females were participated. The mean
age of participants was 15.5 years (SD=1.8). The prevalence of emotional and behavioral
problem was 328 (52.7%). Conduct problem, 260 (41.8%) was the leading problem followed by
peer relation problem 236 (37.9%), emotional problem 88 (14.1%), hyperactivity 64 (10.3%) and
prosocial problem 74 (11.9 %).Quarreling relationship between mothers and fathers/guardians
(AOR=2.24, 95% CI= 1.19, 4.20), being not satisfied with parental/guardians care (AOR =1.96,
95% CI = 1.07, 3.56), low parental/guardians expectation (AOR=3.01, 95% CI = 1.51, 5.98) and
using substance at least once in their life (AOR= 1.75, 95% CI =1.14, 2.70), were statistically
significantly associated factors with emotional and behavioral problems.
Conclusion: Prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among adolescents is high.
Quarreling relationship between parent/guardians, not satisfied with parental or guardian care,
low parental/ guardian expectation and substance use were potential factors of EBPs.
Recommendation: EBPs needs due attention of parents and teachers, mental health
professionals, and other concerned bodies to initiate family focused psychosocial interventions.
