Incidence rates of emotional and behavioural problems in Malaysian children as measured by parent ratings of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Background: The aim of this study was to ascertain the rates of emotional and behavioural problems (emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and low prosocial behaviour) of Malaysian children.

Methods: In all 1407 Malaysian parents completed ratings of their children using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results: The findings indicating that for these emotional and behavioural problems, about 5% are at the abnormal level and that another 10% are at the borderline abnormal level. This study also provided normative cut-off scores to ascertain borderline and abnormal bands for these problems.

Discussion: The clinical and cultural implications of the findings are discussed.