STRESSFUL EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN UAE

Background: Early detection shortens the duration of an episode of emotional disorder and results in far less social impairment in the long term. Therefore, emotional disorders must be eradicated or minimized at an early stage for a better quality of life.

Objectives: To study the Emotional and behavioral stressful signs and symptoms among adolescent groups in Dubai, UAE.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in both preparatory and secondary schools in Dubai, (Both governmental and private). The age range of the self-reported strength and difficulties questionnaire that was used in the study is between 11-17 years old. The minimum sample size required was 1679. Stratified random sample procedure with proportional allocation was carried out. Stratification was based upon regions, gender and type of school. Anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed by the researcher to the students.

Results: Regarding emotional symptoms, it was found that 67.6% of students reported somewhat or certainly worry a lot and about one half of them or more had a lot of headache somewhat or certainly true. Regarding the conducted problems, the majority of the students (91.1%) reported somewhat or certainly true do as they are told, about 74% of the students reported that they are not fighting a lot and 90.4% of them also said that they don’t take things that are not theirs. As regards the hyperactivity, it was found that, about 92.0% of students reported somewhat or certainly think before they do things and finish the work they are doing while 63.5% are easily distracted. Concerning the peer problems, it was found that, 95.3% & 92.8% of the students respectively reported somewhat or certainly have one good friend or more, and other people of the same age like them. In addition, 81.2% of them don’t get bullied by other children or younger children. Taken into consideration the prosocial behavior, the majority of the students reported somewhat or certainly try to be nice to other people, helpful if someone is hurt or upset and share with others food and games (97.1%, 95.6% & 91.2% respectively).

Conclusions: It has been concluded that prevalence of emotional and behavioral stressful sign and symptoms among adolescent groups in Dubai, UAE are quite significant, and to some extent alarming. Roles of social and psychological workers in schools should be augmented.