Assessing Behavioural Problems among Adolescents to Develop an Informational Booklet for Parents in Delhi

Abstract

A descriptive survey study was conducted to assess the common behavioural problems among adolescents with a view to develop an informational booklet for the parents on management of these problems in selected areas of Delhi. The ‘System Model’ adopted from WHO, SEARO technical publication was used as the conceptual framework. A quantitative approach with descriptive survey design was used. The sample consisted of 100 parents of adolescents (10-19 years) from nurses’ residential campus at Shrinivas Puri, New Delhi. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect the sample. A structured questionnaire to assess the behavioural problems among adolescent along with the subject data sheet to obtain information about the demographic profile of the adolescents and a standardised tool of Kuppuswami scale for socioeconomic status of the adolescents’ parents was also used. The study showed that the majority of the adolescents (88%) had a mild behavioural problem. Area-wise analysis revealed that the highest problems were in the area of physical activities. There was a significant relationship between the behavioural problems among adolescents and the gender of the adolescents. Informational booklet was prepared based on the problems identified and was disseminated to parents for the management of behavioural problems among adolescents. Mild behavioural problems were found among adolescents. There was significant relationship between the behavioural problems among adolescents and the gender of the adolescents and no association between behavioural problems and other selected factors like age, socio-economic status and birth order.