Gender Differences in Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study on Talented School Students in Iran (2019)

Background: A considerable percentage of school-age children and adolescents have signs symptoms mental health problems. Gender differences can also be important in status. In Iran, talented students are selected through an entrance exam to enter special schools called SAMPAD. Mental problems school affected by gender. Objectives: This study was conducted determine the prevalence Iranian studying SAMPAD junior high schools, aiming identify gender emotional behavioral Methods: The population this cross-sectional consisted male female aged 12 - 15 years, seventh, eighth, ninth grades Semnan province, within academic year 2019 2020. Sampling performed stratified-cluster random method. tool used assess students’ standardized Persian version Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire related adolescence, which is screen 11-17-year-old adolescents. Results: total 112 (52 boys 60 girls, mean age: 14.0 ± 0.8 years) their parents participated study. estimated at 19.6% (95% CI: 12.3 27.0%) 14.3% 7.8 20.8%) according student questionnaire parents’ questionnaire, respectively. Based on completed students, lack prosocial behaviors higher (25% compared 7.7%, P = 0.017). parents, it still significantly than (31.7% 0.001). frequency conduct (26.9% 10%, 0.026). Conclusions: Girls regarding strengthening require attention effective action schools. Screening programs holding periodic consultations timely diagnose mentioned above recommended officials students.