Behavioral and functional aspects among public and private middle school studentsPurpose To investigate the relationship between behavioral aspects (difficulties and abilities) and the functioning of middle school students, considering variables such as grade in school, sex, age, economic class, and type of school.
Methods Observational, cross-sectional study with 157 students aged 11 to 14 years, enrolled in public and private schools. The instruments used were participant characterization, Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria (CCEB), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-Por), and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), applied via Google Forms. The analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 25.0).
Results Most participants had a normal classification on the SDQ scales and were evaluated as "no difficulties" in the ICF categories. There were statistically significant associations between SDQ emotional symptoms and ICF codes d240, d710, and d750, as well as between conduct problems and ICF codes d240, d710, d720, and d750. Symptoms of hyperactivity were associated with sex and ICF codes d240, d710, and d720, while peer relationship problems were associated with codes d750 and d710. Prosocial behavior was associated with sex and ICF codes d240, d710, and d750. The total SDQ score was associated with the ICF codes.
Conclusion The study highlights the importance of understanding the behavioral and functional specificities of adolescents to promote a better socio-emotional quality of life among them.
Keywords:
Adolescent; Behavior; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Quality of Life; Mental Health