Prevalence and Determinants of Common Fears in Children and Their Socio-Demographic Characteristic
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2016, Vol 12, Issue 6
Abstract
Objective: Most children experience some degree of fear during their development. Excessive fears can create serious obstacles to children. The aim of this study was to identify the most common fears in a sample of children and adolescents and examine the socio-demographic correlates of fears. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the period from July 2010 to February 2012 at Public and Private Schools of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, State of Qatar. Out of 2188 students approached, 1703 students agreed to participate in this study, with a response rate of 77.8%. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic information, academic performance, behaviour at home and various fears. Results: More than half of the children experienced fears (56.7%). Most of them were in the intermediate level, 12 – 15 years old (46.1%). Overall, reported fears were significantly more frequent in girls (62.6%) than boys (37.4%) (p<0.001). A significant difference was observed between girls and boys who experienced fears in their age group (p<0.001), education of mother (p=0.04), household income (p=0.008) and academic performance (p<0.001). The most frequent reported fears were fear of someone dying in the family (85.2%), parents getting divorced (84.5%), breaking religious law (82%), being kidnapped (78.2%), family members ill (78%) and dying (76.7%). Conclusions: The study findings revealed that fears were highly prevalent in Arab children and adolescents in Qatar. Girls reported more fears than boys. There was a significant difference observed between girls and boys in their age group and academic performance for the reported fears.
Authors and Affiliations
Abdulbari Bener, Elnour E. Dafeeah, Suhaila Ghuloum
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP340592
- DOI 10.9734/BJMMR/2016/22552
- Views 64
- Downloads 0
Assessment of the Performance of Specific Prostate Diagnostic Tools in the Detection of Prostate Cancer among Ghanaian Men
Aims: This study evaluated the individual and combined performances of specific prostate diagnostic tools in the detection of prostate cancer among Ghanaian men. Study Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional prospecti...
Effects of Racemic Nebivolol and Its Stereoisomers on Rat Aortic Segments in Two Age Groups
Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of racemic, D- and L-nebivolol in aortic segments obtained from rats of two ages to determine whether age- or stereoisomer-related differences occurred in the relaxation of...
Motivation among Physicians in Greek Public Health-Care Sector
Aims: The aim of this study is to examine the issue of motivation of physicians employed at Greek public hospitals. Methodology: Through the review of relevant literature, an attempt to examine the trends in this issue i...
A Comparison of the Essex-Lopresti Technique and Conservative Treatment for Displaced Tongue-Type Calcaneus Fractures
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiological results of conservative treatment and surgical treatment made with the Essex-Lopresti technique in tongue-type calcaneus fractures. Study Design:...
Cardiovascular Risk Profile of Post-Menopausal Women in a Semi-Urban Community in Nigeria
Aims: Menopause is associated with a myriad of chronic health risks. This study assessed the Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk profile of post-menopausal women from a semi-urban community in Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-...