Exploring Risk Factors for ADHD Among Children at a Mongolian Public School: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Pediatric psychiatry
• Global health

Background:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with poorly understood risk factors in non-Western populations.
• Investigating these factors in Mongolian schoolchildren can provide crucial insights into cultural and geographical variations in ADHD.
• Understanding risk factors is essential for early identification and intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between socioeconomic status indicators and ADHD symptoms in Mongolian schoolchildren.
• To assess if elevated scores on the Conners-3 Assessment correlate with lower socioeconomic factors.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 201 Mongolian schoolchildren (ages 8-13).
• Investigated associations between ADHD symptoms (Conners-3 scores) and factors like parental education, family income, and lifestyle.
• Utilized multivariable analysis to calculate effect sizes and adjusted mean differences.

Main Results:

• Significant associations found between ADHD symptoms and socioeconomic status indicators, including accommodation type and parental education.
• Higher outdoor activity levels correlated with increased inattention and hyperactivity scores.
• Lower household income was linked to increased inattention and defiance/aggression scores.

Conclusions:

• ADHD symptoms in Mongolian schoolchildren are associated with lower household income and high outdoor activity.
• Type of accommodation warrants further investigation as a potential risk factor.
• Findings underscore the importance of considering socioeconomic and environmental factors in ADHD research across diverse cultures.