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European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

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01-10-2006 | ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION

Ethnic differences in parental detection of externalizing disorders

Authors: Barbara W.C. Zwirs, MD, Huibert Burger, MD, Jan K. Buitelaar, MD, Tom W.J. Schulpen, MD

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Issue 7/2006

Abstract

Background

Previous research has reported lower treatment rates for externalizing disorders among non-Western children as compared to Western children. Ethnic differences in parental detection may be an explanation for this discrepancy.

Aims

In a cross-sectional study among the four largest ethnic groups in the Netherlands, namely Dutch, Moroccan, Turkish and Surinamese, we examined the influence of ethnicity on parental detection of behavioural disorders.

Method

A total of 270 children (aged 6–10 years) and their parents were interviewed regarding psychiatric disorders and socio-demographic data. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by using standard definitions, with adjustment for parental educational level.

Results

Sensitivity to detect any externalizing disorder and ADHD in particular was significantly lower among Moroccan and Surinamese parents when compared to Dutch parents. Sensitivity to detect ADHD tended to be lower among Turkish parents. Specificity to detect any externalizing disorder was higher among Moroccan and Turkish parents. Specificity to detect ADHD was higher among Moroccan parents and tended to be higher among Turkish parents.

Conclusions

The detection rate of externalizing disorders is markedly lower among non-Dutch parents than among Dutch parents. This finding emphasizes the importance of taking parents’ cultural context into account when appraising their report on possible externalizing disorders in their children.

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Title: Ethnic differences in parental detection of externalizing disorders
Authors: Barbara W.C. Zwirs, MD
Huibert Burger, MD
Jan K. Buitelaar, MD
Tom W.J. Schulpen, MD
Publication date: 01-10-2006
Publisher: Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Issue 7/2006
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-006-0550-7

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Ethnic differences in parental detection of externalizing disorders

Abstract

Background

Aims

Method

Results

Conclusions

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Aims

Method

Results

Conclusions

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