Abstract
Behavioral and emotional problems in primary school children challenge educational systems and child development globally. This cross-sectional study examined their prevalence and risk factors among Thai students aged 8-12 years. Using three-stage stratified random sampling, 500 students from Grades 3-6 in two Thai primary schools were recruited in the 2024 academic year. Teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-Thai; α = 0.70) and Behavioral Observation Screening Scale (BOSS-Thai; α = 0.90). Binary logistic regression (p < 0.05) identified predictors. Prevalence was 21.8% (n = 109), with risks of 10.0% ADHD (n = 50), 3.0% ASD (n = 15), 11.8% LD (n = 59), and 5.6% ID (n = 28). The sample had 50.2% females, a mean age of 10.30 years (SD = 1.22), 55.2% in Grades 5-6, and 80.2% from low-income families (<30,000 THB/month). ADHD risk (OR = 8.96, 95% CI [4.11-19.51], p < 0.001), ID risk (OR = 3.51, 95% CI [1.22-10.07], p = 0.020), and older age (OR = 1.83, 95% CI [1.45-2.31], p < 0.001) independently predicted problems. Integrated screening and interventions are needed to mitigate long-term psychosocial risks.