Accorinti Ilaria, Bonezzi Linda, Sesso Gianluca, Pipino Simona, Pignatelli Francesca, De Angelis Alessandra, Milone Annarita, Battini Roberta
Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
J Clin Med. 2025 Mar 18;14(6):2080. doi: 10.3390/jcm14062080.
: The prevalence of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in children is a growing concern in developed countries. However, data from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain scarce. The objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of such conditions in the school-aged children residing in Sahrawi refugee camps. In particular, the objective was to develop a bespoke screening instrument for the collection of epidemiological data and the examination of the impact of these disorders on academic performance and school life. : A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 13 primary schools within Sahrawi refugee camps, with a target sample size of 3425 children aged 7-14. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was administered to teachers to identify any neurodevelopmental issues. : A total of 74 (2.2% [95% CI: 1.7-2.7%]) of the 3425 children displayed positive SDQ results for neurodevelopmental or psychiatric difficulties. The most frequently identified issues were emotional and conduct problems, which often co-occurred. Boys exhibited higher hyperactivity rates than girls. : This study's findings revealed significant neurodevelopmental and psychiatric challenges in Sahrawi children, with implications for their academic and social development. The results emphasize the necessity of enhancing teacher training and mental health interventions to facilitate early identification and support.
儿童神经发育障碍和精神疾病的患病率在发达国家日益受到关注。然而，来自低收入和中等收入国家（LMICs）的数据仍然稀缺。本研究的目的是确定居住在撒哈拉难民营的学龄儿童中此类疾病的患病率。具体而言，目的是开发一种定制的筛查工具，用于收集流行病学数据以及检查这些疾病对学业成绩和学校生活的影响。
在撒哈拉难民营的13所小学进行了一项横断面观察研究，目标样本量为3425名7至14岁的儿童。向教师发放了优势与困难问卷（SDQ），以识别任何神经发育问题。
在3425名儿童中，共有74名（2.2% [95% CI：1.7 - 2.7%]）在SDQ中显示出神经发育或精神方面的困难呈阳性结果。最常发现的问题是情绪和行为问题，且这些问题常常同时出现。男孩的多动率高于女孩。
本研究的结果揭示了撒哈拉儿童面临的重大神经发育和精神挑战，这对他们的学业和社会发展产生影响。结果强调了加强教师培训和心理健康干预以促进早期识别和支持的必要性。
