ABSTRACT
To assess prevalence and identify subtypes and risk factors of ADHD among primary school children. A total of 635 school children [320 boys and 315 girls] within the primary school in Imbaba [Giza governorate] and 710 children [366 boys and 344] within the two primary schools of Abasia and Shobra in Cairo were interviewed. To identify risk factors for developing ADHD, a control group of school children [who are free of ADHD] of a sample size equal to the number of diagnosed cases were selected according to a simple random sample technique from the list of students at the corresponding study settings. The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Teacher and Parents Rating Scales; the clinical sheet of psychiatric interview, history and mental state examination for clinical diagnosis of patients; and the ADHD Risk Factors Questionnaire were-used for diagnosis and data collection. Prevalence rates of ADHD among schoolchildren in Giza and Cairo were 6.3% and 8%, respectively. The most prevalent subtype in both study settings was the "combined subtype". ADHD cases comprised significantly more boys than girls. Other significant risk factors for ADHD included a positive family history of mental disorder [p=0.023] and the occurrence of perinatal complications to the mother of the ADHD child [p=0.014]. ADHD is a common mental disorder in Egyptian primary school children in Giza and Cairo. It affects more boys than girls. The combined subtype is the most common subtype. Positive family history of mental disorder and perinatal complications constitute significant risk factors for ADHD. School health programs should include screening of primary school children for ADHD. Diagnosed cases should be referred for psychiatric and educational management. Teachers, especially in primary schools should be aware that children with ADHD are not stupid or nasty, who should be helped not punished. Further research is needed to explore the prevalence and epidemiology of ADHD among children and adolescents in different geographical areas of Egypt