Cultural and national differences in the epidemiology of behavior problems of preschool children

Abstract

Results from two epidemiological surveys, one British and the other American, examining the prevalence of behavior problems in preschool children are compared. Using the same interview technique, prevalence rates were found to be similar despite national, cultural and demographic differences. These surveys constitute the first stage in projects to examine the causes and persistence of childhood psychiatric disorder arising during the preschool years. The relevance of this work to anthropology is discussed.