Perceived behavioral problems of school aged children in rural Nepal: a qualitative study

Ramesh P. Adhikari, Nawaraj Upadhaya, Dristy Gurung, Nagendra P. Luitel, Matthew D. Burkey, Brandon A. Kohrt, Mark J.D. Jordans

Studies on child behavioral problems from low and middle income countries are scarce, even more so in Nepal. This paper explores parents', family members' and teachers' perceptions of child behavioral problems, strategies used and recommendations to deal with this problem. In this study, 72 free list interviews and 30 Key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted with community members of Chitwan district in Nepal. The result suggest that addictive behavior, not paying attention to studies, getting angry over small issues, fighting back, disobedience, and stealing were the most commonly identified behavioral related problems of children, with these problems seen as interrelated and interdependent. Results indicate that community members view the family, community and school environments as being the causes of child behavioral problems, with serious impacts upon children's personal growth, family harmony and social cohesion. The strategies reported by parents and teachers to manage child behavioral problems were talking, listening, consoling, advising and physical punishment (used as a last resort). As perceived by children and other community dwellers, children in rural Nepalese communities have several behavioral related problems. The findings suggest that multi-level community-based interventions targeting peers, parents, teachers and community leaders could be a feasible approach to address the identified problems.