The Behavioral Problems Level and related factors among Vocational Students

Abstract

Objective: The purposes of this study were 1) to assess the level of behavioral problems among vocational students in Thailand, and 2) to investigate the factors associated with these behavioral problems.

Materials and Methods: The study included 1,782 vocational students selected from a total of 2,503 students enrolled in 36 colleges across 26 provinces in Thailand. Data were collected using the Thai version of the Student-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and analyzed with computer software. The statistical methods employed for data analysis included percentages, standard deviation, crosstab, Chi-Square, and odds ratios (OR).

Results: The results can be summarized as follows: (1) The overall prevalence of behavioral problems among vocational students was 19.8%, with emotional problems being the most common at 15.1%, followed by relationship problems. Conduct problems and attention problems accounted for 11.2%, 6.1%, and 3.1%, respectively. (2) The factors related to behavioral problems as a whole encompass regional influences.

Conclusion: The overall behavioral issues among vocational students in Thailand, which are at a high level, require that teachers and educational staff receive enhanced knowledge and understanding of behavior-related problems. This is to facilitate the appropriate resolution of behavioral and emotional issues.