Analysis on sensory processing characteristics of mental health problems in preschoolers / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To analyze the sensory processing characteristics among preschoolers with mental health problems in Nanshan District, Shenzhen.@*Methods@#Random cluster sampling was used to select kindergartens for psychological screening from March to June 2018. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Simplified Sensory Questionnaire (SSP) were used to evaluate 6 365 preschool children.@*Results@#A total of 15.15% preschoolers were detected with abnormal results. The SSP scores of preschoolers with emotional symptoms/conduct problems/prosocial behaviors were lower than normal preschoolers’(P<0.01). Among the preschoolers with hyperactivity-inattention, taste/smell sensitivity (F=12.45)/underresponsive/seeks sensation(F=102.44), auditory filtering(F=93.51), low energy/weak(F=13.33), visual/auditory sensitivity (F=4.32) scores were lower than normal preschoolers’(P<0.05), the scores of tactile sensitivity movement sensitivity were no statistical difference with normal preschoolers’. Among the preschoolers with peer problem, taste/smell sensitivity(F=5.86), tactile sensitivity(F=6.05), movement sensitivity(F=4.70), auditory filtering(F=17.32), low energy/weak (F=9.56), visual/auditory sensitivity (F=4.16) scores were lower than normal preschoolers’ (P<0.05), and the scores of under-esponsive/seeks sensation were no statistical difference with normal pre-schoolers’. Prosocial behavior and tactile (r=0.30), under-responsive/seeks sensation(r=0.37), auditory filtering(r=0.37), low energy/weak (r=0.31) were positive associated(P<0.01). Emotional symptoms were negatively associated with lack of energy/weakness(r=-0.33, P<0.01).@*Conclusion@#Mental health problems are related to sensory processing ability in preschoolers. Preschoolers with mental health problems have weak sensory processing ability. Clinicians and occupational therapists should pay attention to evaluation and intervention of sensory processing ability in preschoolers with mental health problems.