Recognition of Children of Preschool Age at Risk for Internalising Disorders in Mainstream and Islamic Primary Care

Abstract

Precursors of internalising problems, anxiety and depression, appear as early as the preschool years. To be able to conduct preventive programmes in early childhood, it is essential that children showing these precursors be recognised. This study investigates to what extent professionals in primary care are aware of these precursors, when brought to their attention by parents during regular check-ups. Prototypical descriptions of children at risk for internalising problems were presented to professionals, after which recognition and services provided were investigated in a structured interview. As well as professionals in mainstream health services, the study included Islamic counsellors (imams), to increase sensitivity to cultural differences in the use of services. The study provides preliminary evidence of the contribution professionals in primary care can make to early identification of children at risk for internalising disorders. Professionals prove to differ in their recognition of risk factor subtypes and the advice they give parents. These differences are most evident between professionals in mainstream care and professionals in Islamic care.

Keywords:

• prevention
• early childhood
• primary health care
• anxiety
• depression
• transcultural mental health