This cross sectional analytical study was done to determine the prevalence of behavioral difficulties among junior high schools students of selected schools in Zamboanga City. The study was carried out among the top three most populated schools in private and public sectors in Zamboanga City. Teacher-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to identify behavioral difficulties among students. The sampling method used was multi-stage cluster sampling. One thousand three respondents (1,003) aged 12-17 years participated in this study. Data gathered were analyzed using frequencies and chi square test. Results showed that overall prevalence of behavioral difficulties among junior high school students was 25.8%. Majority of the students (74.2%) were without behavioral difficulties. Conduct disorder is the most common problem scale (23.2%) followed by peer problem (19.5%), hyperactivity (9.4%), and emotional problem (9.3%). Behavioral difficulties are predominant among males (32.2%) and ages 12-14 (36.4%). There is significant difference between different age groups and sex in terms of identification of behavioral difficulties. Comparing economic status, type of school, family structure, and primary caregiver do not have significant association with behavioral difficulties. The study showed that behavioral difficulties among junior high school students especially conduct problem, needs more attention.

Keyword: Behavioral difficulties Junior high school students