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Research Journal of Medical Sciences

ISSN: Online 1993-6095
ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Psychiatric Morbidity Pattern in a Child Guidance Clinic at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Rajkot, Gujarat A prospective Observational Study

Aarti Makwana, Jigneshkumar Dhusa, Dilip Ninama and Nirav Kumar Rathod
Page: 260-265 | Received 31 Dec 2023, Published online: 30 Jan 2024

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https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makrjms.2024.5.260.265

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Abstract

Mental health in children is a crucial aspect of their overall well‐being, yet it often receives inadequate attention. Factors such as limited knowledge about child development and mental disorders, a lack of professionals and training, financial constraints and cultural stigma contribute to this disparity. In India, where children make up a significant portion of the population, mental health care for children is under‐addressed. This study aimed to assess the behavioral patterns and socio‐demographic profiles of children attending a Child Guidance Clinic (CGC) in Rajkot, Gujarat. The study included 103 patients aged up to 12 years attending the CGC between January and December 2017. The majority of patients were aged 3‐6 years, male, Hindu, of middle socioeconomic status and from rural backgrounds. Intellectual developmental disorder was the most common behavioral disorder (31.06%), followed by pica, language disorder and enuresis. Significant associations were found between behavioral disorders and age group, locality and family type. However, no significant correlations were found between behavioral disorders and gender, religion, or socioeconomic status. Most patients were referred by paediatricians, indicating improving healthcare access in rural areas. Limitations included a small sample size and focus on a pediatric clinic, primarily with patients aged 3‐6 years. Future research should use larger community‐based surveys to further explore behavioral disorders in children and inform mental health service planning.

How to cite this article:

Aarti Makwana, Jigneshkumar Dhusa, Dilip Ninama and Nirav Kumar Rathod. Psychiatric Morbidity Pattern in a Child Guidance Clinic at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Rajkot, Gujarat A prospective Observational Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makrjms.2024.5.260.265
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.59218/makrjms.2024.5.260.265