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Prevalence and associated factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among Ugandan children; a

Joan Wamulugwa1, Angelina Kakooza1, Sabrina Bakeera Kitaka1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mulago Hospital and Makerere University School of Medicine, P. O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health
|April 18, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is 11% in Ugandan children attending specialist clinics. Younger children, males, and those with less formal education are more likely to have ADHD.

Area of Science:

  • Child Neurology
  • Pediatric Psychiatry
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder in children.
  • The burden and associated factors of ADHD in Uganda remain largely unknown.
  • This study aimed to investigate ADHD prevalence and contributing factors in Ugandan children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in children at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
  • To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with ADHD in this population.
  • To inform targeted interventions for ADHD in Uganda.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a 45-item disruptive behavior scale to screen for ADHD symptoms.
  • Administered questionnaires to primary caregivers to collect data on associated factors.
  • Conducted clinical examinations and psychiatric assessments for diagnosis confirmation and comorbidity evaluation.

Main Results:

  • The estimated prevalence of DSM-IV ADHD symptoms was 11%.
  • Children under 10 years old were four times more likely to have ADHD (OR 4.1).
  • Independent associated factors included younger age, male gender, maternal abnormal vaginal discharge during pregnancy, and limited formal education.

Conclusions:

  • ADHD prevalence is high among children attending pediatric neurology and psychiatry clinics in Uganda.
  • ADHD is associated with delayed developmental milestones.
  • Early identification and management of ADHD and its comorbidities (e.g., epilepsy, autism, conduct disorder) are crucial.
Abstract

Keywords:
ADHDAssociated factorsDSM IVSpecialized clinic

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