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