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Individual Differences in Germ Spreading Behaviors Among Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: The

Melissa L Hernandez1, Jamie A Spiegel1, Stefany Coxe1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|July 1, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit higher germ-spreading behaviors like toy-to-mouth contact and face touching. Poor executive functioning (EF) and inattention significantly contribute to these behaviors in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Infectious Disease Transmission

Background:

  • Infectious diseases spread via respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces.
  • Individuals with ADHD face higher risks of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization.
  • Understanding germ-spreading behaviors in children with ADHD is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between ADHD, executive functioning (EF), and germ-spreading behaviors in young children.
  • To examine parenting responses to germ-spreading behaviors in children with and without ADHD.
  • To identify specific ADHD symptoms and EF deficits associated with increased germ transmission risks.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 53 children with ADHD and 47 typically developing children (ages 4-5).
  • ADHD symptomatology, executive functioning (EF), germ-spreading behaviors (toy-to-mouth, face touching), and parenting responses were assessed.
  • Observations were conducted during a 5-minute parent-child play session.

Main Results:

  • ADHD diagnosis and poor metacognition predicted higher rates of toy-to-mouth and face-touching behaviors.
  • Inattention and poor cognitive flexibility were specifically linked to increased toy-to-mouth frequency.
  • Parenting responses were also noted but not detailed in the abstract's results.

Conclusions:

  • Young children with ADHD are at elevated risk for germ-spreading behaviors.
  • Inattention and deficits in executive functioning are key factors associated with higher germ-spreading rates.
  • Targeting inattention and EF may help reduce germ transmission in children with ADHD.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderexecutive functioningpreschool

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