Exploring The Risk Factors Of Emotional And Behavioural Problems Among Adolescents In Hulu Langat District: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Emotional and behavioural problems are a growing public health issue especially among adolescents. These problems should be detected early to ensure early referral to specialized personnel, in order for early intervention to take place. This study aims to explore the underlying problems or risk factors that may contribute to the development of emotional and behavioural problems among teenagers attending public schools in Daerah Hulu Langat Selangor. Method: This study utilized a qualitative study design in which 10 students were invited to participate in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD).These students were initially detected to have borderline and abnormal scores during a prior quantitative study when answering the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).  The responses from the participants during the FGD were literally recorded throughout the session. A computerized qualitative data analysis program, the Atlas Ti, was utilized to identify the relevant themes. Results: We identified five key themes in which four of these were similar to previous studies which were low parental involvement, harsh and inconsistent discipline, low parental monitoring, as well as lack of love that was shown by parents. We also discovered a new theme which was lack of religious activities among family members. Conclusion: From this study we found similar risk factors as shown in previous studies as well as a new one. Religiosity was found to have an important contribution whereby shortcoming in this aspect which surround the children’s life, may predict future emotional and behavioural problems Keywords: Emotional and Behavioural Problems, Mental Health, Adolescents, Risk Factors, Qualitative Study