Objectives:1)Describe the prevalence of behavioral and emotional problems among the deaf-mute children enrolled in special primary schools in Alexandria, Egypt. 2)Identify whether deaf-mutism constitutes a risk factor for being behaviorally and emotionally disturbed or not. 3)Identify factors related to occurrence of behavioral and emotional problems among the deaf-mute children. Abstract: prior research in the United States and the United Kingdom has concluded that deaf-mutism is a significant factor in developing behavioral and emotional problems among such disabled children. However, a very limited body of research exists concerning the deaf-mute Arab children. Method: The study sample included 50% of male and female deaf-mute children enrolled in spacial primary schools in Alexandria, 240 deaf-mute children participated in the study. 52.2% of the sample were males and the age range was (6-15) years (X=9.112, SD=1.959). A control group of normal hearing children matching for size, age and sex were selected from the same city. Both groups were selected randomly. The standardized Arabic version of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was administered to the parents of the selected children to be completed early in the second half of the academic year 1998-1999. Results: Using the 95th percentile cut-off point revealed that 11.7% of the deaf-mutes have externalizing problems compared to 9.1% of the control group, and 9.2% of the deaf-mutes have internalizing problems compared to 8.5% of the control group. However, the differences were not statistically significant. Further analysis will examine sociocultural factors, intrafamilial relationships, and severity and duration of the disability.
Learning Objectives: Speaking about the prevalence of the behavioral and emotional problems among the deaf-mute Egyptian children and comparing the results to a normal hearing children control group would create general awareness of the mental health problems of the deaf-mute children in different cultures. Identification of the risk factors affecting emegence of mental problems among the Egyptian deaf-mute children which might be different from the risk factors identified in the United States would help the mental health professionals identifying the risk factors among the ethnic minorities. Based on the analysis to be discussed the participants could be able to prioritize the mental problems and needs of such a group and deide what to tackle first
Keywords: Behavioral Research, Deaf
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.