Prevalence of Adolescents` Mental Health Problems using Screening Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: A School-Based Survey in West Java Province, Indonesia

Background: Adolescents are at risk for mental health problems and it may have an impact on the development, quality of life, and productivity of adolescents. The prevalence of mental health problems in adolescents across low- and middle-income countries are still high.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of adolescent`s mental health problem in West Java Province, Indonesia

Methods: Cross-sectional study with a school-based survey in four districts and three cities of West Java Province was conducted from October – December 2016. A stratified multistage random sampling with respondents was 12-17 years old (junior and senior high school students). A mental health problem was measured by Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire Indonesian version, the scores divide into three categories normal, borderline, or abnormal.

Results: 3452 adolescents of 32 schools in West Java were included in this study, 58% female, 558% junior high school, 58% living in district, and 94.1% moslem. The prevalence of mental health problems based on SDQ subscale as total difficulties, conduct problem, emotional symptoms, peer problems, hyperactivity-inattention, were borderline 18.6, 19.3, 12.7, 14.6, 9.8, and abnormal 13, 19.6, 17.3, 14.7, 5.7 respectively.

Conclusions: Adolescent mental health problems in West Java Province remained high, conduct problem was the most prevalence.