Assessment of attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder signs among Palestinian school-age children

Abstract

Purpose

The study aimed to identify the prevalence of Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) signs exhibited in Palestinian school-age students while comparing their sociodemographic characteristics.

Design and methods

A cross-sectional descriptive correlation study was conducted. The study included children aged 6–12 in West Bank schools, without a previous ADHD diagnoses or other neurodevelopmental disorders. This study used a parent questionnaire with three sections: child's sociodemographic data, parents' data, and Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS), which has a Cronbach's alpha values of 0.94 for total ADHD. All collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with confidence interval of 95 %.

Results

A total 487 school-aged children participated in the study (46.4 % females and 53.6 % males). The results showed that 8.7 % of the children exhibited ADHD signs, with ADHD-I being the most prevalent subtype (3.3 %). Significant associations were found between ADHD signs and the following factors: males (P = 0.003); children with lower academic averages (less than 79.9 %) (P = 0.000); children speaking only one language (P = 0.002); children of mothers exposed to tobacco during pregnancy (P = 0.004); children whose mothers faced complications during pregnancy (P = 0.000); children whose mothers were 19 years old or younger at childbirth scores (P = 0.05); and children with relatives having ADHD (P = 0.000). No significant associations were found with variables such as child's age, birth weight, gestational age, number of countries lived in, school class, place of residency, parents' marital status, educational level, employment status, average income, number of children, or child's birth order. A moderate negative correlation was found between ADHD signs and poor academic performance (r = −0.169, P = 0.000).

Conclusion

The study found a significant prevalence of ADHD signs in Palestinian school-age children (8.7 %), with ADHD-I having the highest prevalence. Risk factors included gender, languages, maternal exposure to tobacco, maternal complications, mother's age, and relatives with ADHD. Early detection is crucial to mitigate its impact on academic performance.

Practice implications

Nurses play a crucial role in managing ADHD in school-aged children. They conduct educational programs, early screening programs, and work with a multidisciplinary team to evaluate and monitor suspected ADHD cases. They also advocate for research and policy development to improve ADHD care and outcomes. This ensures children receive necessary treatment and support services.