Prevalence and factors associated with mental health problems among children with asthma: a hospital-based study

Background

Childhood asthma is associated with emotional and behavioural problems. The prevalence and factors associated with psychological problems in childhood asthma have not been studied in Sri Lanka.

 

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and factors associated with development of emotional and behavioural problems among children with asthma, presenting to outpatient follow up clinics.

 

Methods

This was a hospital based cross sectional descriptive study using systematic random sampling (n=250). The parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Sinhala version) and children with borderline or abnormal scores were assessed further using a structured interview, based on the International Classification for Disease-10 research criteria.

 

Results

The mean age of participants was 8.1 years and 141 (56.4%) were males. The mean duration of asthma and age at diagnosis was 4.4 years and 3.6 years respectively. In 62% of participants, the asthma was well controlled. The prevalence of mental health problems was 8%. Borderline or abnormal scores in at least one scale of the SDQ was found in 18.4%, and 2.8% had abnormal or borderline impact scores. The level of asthma control was significantly associated with emotional problems score (OR 8.23, p=0.41).

 

Conclusions

The prevalence of mental health problems among children with asthma was comparable to the general population. Asthma control was significantly associated with emotional problems and this carries implications for management.