A Comparative Study to Assess the Behavioral Problems among Pre-school Children of Working and Non-working Mothers at Selected Anganwadis of District Yamuna Nagar, Haryana, India

Abstract

Background: Behavioural problems may affect preschool children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. Maternal employment status may influence supervision, caregiving, and parent–child interaction; therefore, early recognition is important. Objectives: This study assessed and compared behavioural problems among preschool children of working and non-working mothers at selected Anganwadis in Yamuna Nagar district, Haryana, and examined associations with selected demographic variables. Methodology: A descriptive comparative design was used. Sixty mothers (30 working and 30 non-working) with preschool children aged 3–6 years were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a sociodemographic profile and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: Among children of non-working mothers, 70% had normal behavioural status, whereas 63.33% of children of working mothers were in the borderline category. The mean overall behavioural problem score was higher among children of working mothers (17.15 ± 3.64) than among those of non-working mothers (15.68 ± 3.57), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = .121). Hyperactivity/inattention scores were significantly higher among children of working mothers (p < .001), while prosocial behaviour scores were significantly higher among children of non-working mothers (p = .014). Behavioural problems were significantly associated with family income, maternal occupation, and duration of maternal care per day. Conclusion: Most children had normal behavioural status, although borderline problems were more common among children of working mothers. Early screening and supportive caregiving may promote healthy behavioural development.