Prevalence of Self-Reported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Factors Affecting Attention Span...

Objectives Medical students are a high-risk group for mental health conditions. There is a paucity of research within Caribbean medical schools on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition estimated to affect approximately one in 20 adults. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of ADHD-related symptoms and their associated factors affecting attention span among medical students. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a conveniently selected group of currently enrolled medical students in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, in Trinidad and Tobago, between January and June 2024. Participants completed an online questionnaire. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to assess ADHD, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Attention spans and lifestyle factors influencing attention were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were done for predictors of ADHD and factors affecting attention span using logistic regression-derived odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence limits. Results Out of 231 respondents, the mean age was 22.6 years (SD 2.3), with 72.3% identifying as female. The overall prevalence of a positive ADHD screen was 45%, showing no significant association with age (P = 0.148) or gender (P = 0.788). ADHD positivity was highest in Year 3 (67.3%), significantly greater than Year 1 (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.62-8.29, P = 0.002). High rates of poor sleep quality (82.3%), anxiety (65.4%), and depression (73.2%) were observed, all of which were positively correlated with ADHD (P ≤ 0.001). The top five factors affecting attention span included tiredness/energy level (91.3%), academic load (80.1%), sleep quality (79.2%), interest in the subject (78.4%), and time of day (78.4%). Students with ADHD symptoms reported higher levels of exercise, social media usage, caffeine consumption, breakfast skipping, and fluid intake compared to non-ADHD peers (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusions The study highlights a high prevalence of ADHD-related symptoms and mental health comorbidities among medical students, emphasizing the need for curriculum review and enhanced support services.