NAIL BITING HABITS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH MENTAL HEALTH STATUS AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS OF SELECTED SCHOOLS AT ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA

Background: The transition period from the childhood to adulthood is marked by various physical, mental, sexual, psychological and social developmental changes. Nail biting is a common habit, especially among school age children. It often stems from nervousness, stress, or boredom. Nail biting in school age children can sometimes be linked to underlying stress or anxiety. It’s essential to observe if there are any emotional triggers or stressors that might be contributing to this habit. Supporting their mental wellbeing through open conversations, reassuring them and possibly involving a counsellor or therapist could be beneficial. Materials and methods: a pen and paper survey among 236 school age children in a selected school in Kochi was conducted on the month June 2023. The data was collected through simple random sampling technique using pen and paper. A structured was used to assess the nail-biting habits and mental health status. Results: out of the 236 samples majority, 122(51.7%) were between the age group 12 to 14, 76(32.2%) were between the age 15- 16 and 38(16.1%) were between 17-18 years, majority 133(56.4%) were having nail biting. Children with mild nail biting 11(7.6%), moderate nail biting 9(13.0%) and severe nail biting 4 (18.2%) have some mental health issues. Conclusion: the study concludes that majority of children having nail biting is not having mental health issues 212(89.8%).