| Objective To examine the association of maternal parenting sense of competence (PSOC) and emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in preschool children. Methods In December 2022,3 041 preschool children from 24 kindergartens in Wuhu, Lu’an and Fuyang of Anhui province were selected as the study subjects. The survey included general demographic data, the Chinese version of the parenting competency scale and the parental strengths and difficulties questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to examine the association between them. Results The detection rates of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer interaction problems, total score of difficulties and prosocial behavior abnormalities in preschool children was 13.4%, 18.4%, 16.6%, 27.8%, 6.6% and 17.0%, respectively. Compared to the high POSC, low PSOC increased the risk of children’'s emotional symptoms (OR = 2.920, 95%CI: 1.352~ 6.305), conduct problems (OR = 3.450, 95%CI: 1.789~6.653), peer interaction problems (OR = 3.876, 95%CI: 2.227~6.747), total score of difficulties (OR = 17.253, 95%CI: 4.510~65.997) and prosocial behavior abnormalities (OR = 2.848, 95%CI: 1.498~5.415). Conclusion The occurrence of emotional behavior problems in preschool children can be reduced via enhancing mothers’ parenting competence. |
