Abstract
Data from two educational homes for juveniles (Reformatories) in the Sudan was collected to detect the common medical problems, to assess the psychosocial profile and to identify factors associated with offending. Self administered questionnaire with supplemented questions on sociodemographic data including drug history, substance abuse, features of both medical and psychiatric problems along with detailed informations about the offence were stated. Another questionnaire, strength and difficulties questionnaire, which is a behavioral screening covering item on psychosocial attributes, was also administered. Complete physical examination was also recorded. There were 120 detained children with age ranging 10-17 years, the peak age of convicted children was found to be 15-17 years with predominance of males. The majority of detained children belong to a low social classes (94.2%), with condemnation being the main cause of placement (43.3%). The most common health problem was substance / alcohol abuse which was reported in (54%), followed by dermatological conditions which accounted for (30.8%). Intestinal parasitisms were reported by (11.6%). Enuresis was found in (11.6%), schistosomiasis affected (6.1%) and upper respiratory tract infection which was encountered in (6.7%). The prevalence of HBV seropositive was (4.9%) while psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in (40%) which were mainly conduct disorders (83.3%), with an overlapping between different psychiatric disorders. Being an offender was significantly affected by the state of poverty (P. value <0.000). However, it was not affected by the state of coming from large families, other offenders in the family, poor education or repeated offending. It concluded that the common health problems are substance / alcohol abuse, dermatological problems and intestinal parasitism. Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in more than one third of convicted children with conduct disorders being the most common. Being an offender was significantly affected by the state of poverty (P<0.000).