Objective To investigate the prevalence of behavior problems in twins aged 10-16 years, and to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of twins’ behavior problems. Methods Sixty-four pairs of twins aged 10-16 years in Chengdu city participated in this study. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), completed by parents, was used to assess behavior problems. The prevalence of behavior problems in twins and the distribution characteristics for boys and girls and zygosities were estimated. Results The prevalence of behavior problems in the twins in this study was 6.25%. This was lower than the prevalence in a nationwide non-twins epidemiologic survey (P=0.0045). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of behavior problems between boys and girls and between different zygosities (P=0.891; P=0.258). Social problems were the main behavior problems noted in these twins, accounting for 38%. Conclusions The prevalence of behavior problems in twins aged 10-16 years is lower than that of non-twins. Social problems are the most common behavior problems in the twins in this study.
Objective To evaluate the mental status of survivors after Wenchuan earthquake, so as to provide relevant information for psychological and medical intervention. Methods Demographic data was recorded and the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) was evaluated. The acute stress disorder (ASD) were assessed with the DSM-IV criteria in the survivors from the central earthquake area who are now living in two shelters in Chengdu. Results Among the 780 retrieved questionnaires, 729 baseline registration forms and 450 PCL-C were valid. In the 729 baseline registration forms, male to female ratio was 1:1.31 and the mean age was 36.73±20.82. 9.5% of subjects suffered from physical diseases, 9.7% needed assistance in daily activities, 70.7% were passive and didn’t participate in community activities, 9.1% suffered from severe psychological problems. In the present study, 30.9% of subjects were found to meet the DSM-IV criteria for ASD. 41.3%, 22.2% and 18.4% of subjects had a PCL-C score ≥ 38, ≥ 45 and ≥50, respectively. Consistency check showed there was no significant difference between the screening result of PCL-C score ≥45 and clinical diagnosis (Kappa=0.780, P=0.033). There was significant difference in the age of subjects between ASD and non-ASD groups (Plt;0.05). Conclusion The earthquake survivors suffered from psychological problems after the disaster in the early stage. Thus, in addition to life rescue, we should pay more attention to psychological intervention.