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Published on: December 7, 2018
Prevalence of motor problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Hong Kong
K W Tsui1, Kelly Y C Lai2, Marshall M C Lee3
1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Tai Po, Hong Kong.
Insights
Motor problems are prevalent in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with up to one-third potentially experiencing developmental coordination disorder. This highlights a significant issue needing attention in local healthcare services.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Motor problems are frequently observed in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but local prevalence data were lacking.
- Understanding the extent of these motor issues is crucial for effective healthcare service planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of motor problems in children diagnosed with ADHD within a specific local population.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving children aged 6-9 years diagnosed with ADHD.
- Data were collected over six months (July-December 2011) from a Hong Kong-based ADHD program.
- The Movement Assessment Battery for Children and the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire-Chinese version were utilized to identify motor problems.
Main Results:
- Analysis included data from 95 participants.
- 63 children had no motor problems, 15 had borderline issues, and 17 had definite motor problems.
- An estimated one-third of local children with ADHD may have developmental coordination disorder.
Conclusions:
- Motor problems are common among local children with ADHD, with prevalence rates comparable to international findings.
- The significant magnitude of motor problems in this population should not be underestimated.
- Further attention to these issues is warranted despite study limitations.
Introduction:
Local data on the occurrence of motor problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are not available but an understanding of this important issue may enable better planning of medical services. We aimed to determine the prevalence of motor problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a local population.
Methods:
In this descriptive cross-sectional study, children aged 6 to 9 years diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder over a period of 6 months from 1 July to 31 December 2011 were recruited from the Joint Paediatric and Child Psychiatric ADHD Program in New Territories East Cluster in Hong Kong. Movement Assessment Battery for Children and Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire-Chinese version were used to determine the presence of motor problems.
Results:
Data from 95 participants were included in the final analysis. The number of children who had no, borderline, or definite motor problems was 63, 15, and 17, respectively. It is estimated that up to one third of local children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder might have developmental coordination disorder.
Conclusions:
Motor problems are common in local children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and figures are comparable with those from other parts of the world. Despite the various limitations of this study, the magnitude of the problem should not be overlooked.
