Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- . Gurpreet Kaur Chawla
- . Ruchi Juyal 1
- . Deep Shikha 1
- . Jayanti Semwal 1
- . Shailesh Tripathi 2
- . Sudip Bhattacharya 1
1 Department of Community Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
2 Department of Health, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a considerably common
childhood‑onset neurodevelopmental disorder, often associated with socio‑behavioral and academic
difficulties. There is an increased risk for development of a range of future problems such as
psychiatric disorders, difficulties in employment, and relationships. The aim of this study was to know
the prevalence and determinants of ADHD among primary school children in district Dehradun and
to assess the learning difficulties and classroom behavior in these students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional study, overall, 228 students (aged 6–12 years)
studying in a primary school were assessed for ADHD after seeking the written informed consent from
their parents. The data were analyzed using Excel sheet and SPSS software (22.0 version). For all
qualitative measures, frequency and percentages were calculated, and for quantitative measures,
mean and standard deviation were calculated. For analysis of categorical values, Chi‑square test
was used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: The prevalence of ADHD was found to be 11.8% based on the teacher tool only and
1.75% based on the parent and teacher tools combined. ADHD was found to be significantly more
in males. Inattention was the most prevalent subtype of ADHD, and children screened positive for
ADHD had significant learning difficulties at various levels.
CONCLUSION: The possibility of ADHD in students with academic difficulties should not be ignored
as children with ADHD usually face significant problems at school such as learning difficulties and
have been shown to be at increased risk for a broad range of negative outcomes. Early identification
and treatment of ADHD can significantly reduce the rates of some of these poor outcomes. Screening
these children in the early years will help the parents, children, teachers, and community at large.
Keywords
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