Tendency towards developing adhd among children of grade 3 - 5 in various schools of Karachi

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to describe the frequency of children at high risk of developing ADHD and its association with psychosocial factors in children of grade 3-5 in various schools of Karachi. Descriptive study. This study was coducted in various schools of Karachi from January to June 2008. This study was done using pre-tested self administered questionnaire. The study population was composed of 553 children from grades 3 to 5. The parents filled the questionnaire on assessment of children behavior. All ethical considerations were taken into account in this regard. Data for demographic variables for frequencies and association between variables was analyzed on SPSS version 12.0. Significant level was p<0.05. Among a total of 553 children from three different schools, the suspected children were 131; among them 111 had a score of 20-29 on the behavior rating scale and 20 had a score of 30 and onwards. There were 89 males out of 319 [27.8%] and 42 females out of 234 females [17.9%] who were found positive. This made a total 23.6% students of both the genders who showed strong tendency towards ADHD. Among the differences which were observed gender, father's occupation and different schools were statistically significant [p-value <0.05] which made the strength of this study. Children with ADHD are frequently encountered in the primary care setting. It is important that the diagnosis of this condition by primary care providers be based on procedures supported by evidence from empirical investigations. Clinicians should use ADHD-specific rating scales completed by caregivers and teachers in their efforts to identify children suspected for ADHD