Disruptive Behavior Disorders Among School-going Children Aged 6-12 Years in Nairobi County

Abstract

Introduction: Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) are a common co-occurring condition of childhood onset and are of significant public health concern. Yet, the prevalence of these conditions among Kenyan Children is not known. Study Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of DBDs among school-going children aged 6- 12 years in, Nairobi, county. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was adopted. A sample size of 384 respondents selected through stratified random sampling was used in this study. Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale and a socio-demographic questionnaire was used to collect data. Data Analysis: Data was analyzed by use of SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics such as measures of central tendency was used to analyse data. Association between variables will be determined using Pearsons chi square. Correlations was determined using Pearsons correlation test or Cramers V for categorical variables Findings: The study found that 16.2% (61) of the respondents’ children had oppositional defiance disorder. It also established that 14.4% (54), had conduct disorder. As for respondents that indicated that their children exhibited ADHD symptoms and other non-specified Disruptive behaviors, they represented 9.0% (34) of the total sample population. Most of the respondents’ children did not have disruptive behavior disorder, they represented 60.4% (227) of the total sample population. Children's gender was significantly associated with DBDs

Conclusion: There is a high presence of behavioral challenges and ADHD symptoms among school going children, aged 6 to 12 years, in Nairobi. Given that the negative outcomes are associated with behavioral challenges as children transition to adolescence and adulthood, detecting these emerging behavioral challenges early is critical in developing appropriate interventions