Prevalence of emotional and behavioral symptoms and their impact on daily life activities in a community sample of 3 to 5-year-old children.

The aim of the study was to evaluate prevalence and impact of behavioral/emotional symptoms in preschoolers. The sample comprised 1,738 preschoolers with an age range between 37 and 63 months. Parents rated children's symptoms using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the impact of perceived difficulties using the impact supplement of the SDQ. The prevalence of a total difficulties score in an abnormal/borderline range was 16.0 % that means lower than rates in schoolchildren. 8.6 % of the preschoolers were rated as symptomatic (borderline/abnormal) and their symptoms were rated as having some or considerable impact on their lives. Parents mostly reported problems of hyperactivity/inattention and their interference with learning abilities. All symptoms scales of the SDQ, except prosocial behavior, significantly explained impact of perceived difficulties. Parents of boys rated significantly higher levels of symptoms and impact. Low parental education was associated with more symptoms and higher impact.