Abstract:
It was descriptive cross-sectional study. The Sinhala translation of Rutter's teachers
questionnaire, which was validated to use in Sri Lanka was used to find out the 1revalence
of the behavioral problems among year one school children. Another questionnaire
prepared by the investigator was used to collect information from the mothers. lout of 1464
year one school children 280 were selected for the study. Results showed that It he
prevalence of behavioral problems was found to be 18 percent.. This was consistent with
some other studies done in the world. It showed the magnitude of the problem. It also
showed that boys had a higher degree of behavioral problems, than the girls. Educational
status of the mothers showed a positive effect in reducing the behavioral status of the
mother was not significantly associated with behavioral problems. Mother's availability
during the pre school age couldn't be evaluated due to small proportion of mothers found in
the sample. Prevalence of 18 percent of behavioral problems showed the magnitude of the
problem in the urban area. Female education has helped to reduce the behavioral problems
and must be encouraged.
