CL3 profile of SDQ scores on the subscales conduct problems, emotional symptoms and prosocial behaviour.

Note. The shaded areas show the combined high and very high bands of the UK four-band scoring for parent rated SDQ 4–17 years.</p

CL5 profile of SDQ scores on the subscales conduct problems, emotional symptoms and prosocial behaviour.

Note. The shaded areas show the combined high and very high bands of the UK four-band scoring for parent rated SDQ 4–17 years.</p

CL1 profile of SDQ scores on the subscales conduct problems, emotional symptoms and prosocial behaviour.

Note. The shaded areas show the combined high and very high bands of the UK four-band scoring for parent rated SDQ 4–17 years.</p

Flowchart of data collection.

BackgroundChildren with disabilities have an increased risk of mental health problems. Patterns of mental health problems and well-being may vary.AimsTo identify patterns of mental health problems and well-being in children with disabilities in Sweden, and investigate the influence of parental background (migration, education), and child cognitive level.MethodIn this cross-sectional study, cluster analysis was used to analyse parents’ ratings of conduct problems, emotional symptoms, and prosocial behaviour on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in children with disabilities (n = 136). The influence of parental background (migration, education) and child cognitive level on cluster membership was explored through multinomial logistic regression.ResultsFive clusters of mental health patterns emerged. Three clusters had mean ratings near or past clinical cut-off for one each of the SDQ-subscales. One cluster had difficulties on all three subscales. Greater child cognitive difficulties increased the likelihood of low prosocial behaviour (OR 2.501, p ConclusionChildren with disabilities display varying mental health patterns. Awareness of the complexity of mental health patterns among children with disabilities is important. Screening and support for emotional symptoms and prosocial behaviour deficits should be considered for children with conduct problems.</div

Profiles of SDQ subscale scores, homogeneity coefficients and cluster sizes for each cluster.

Profiles of SDQ subscale scores, homogeneity coefficients and cluster sizes for each cluster.</p