Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and associated factors among children and adolescents in Borama town,...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by a persistent pattern of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and poor performance in school. Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder further have a higher risk of anxiety and depression and increasing risky behaviors, such as substance use. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children, affecting approximately 5-8%, primarily boys, and often persisting into adulthood.

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and associated factors among children and adolescents in Borama town, Somaliland, in 2024.

A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed involving 422 children and adolescents. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire between April and June 2024. A multistage sampling approach was applied to recruit the study participants. The data was entered into Epi Data 4.6, then exported to SPSS 26.0 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors, with statistical significance declared at p-value < 0.05. The presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents was evaluated using the Vanderbilt Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale.

The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children and adolescents in Borama town, Somaliland, was found to be 13.7%. The findings indicated that younger children, aged 6 to 11 years [AOR = 2.2, 95% CI (1.2; 4.15)], single-parent family structures [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI (1.3; 4.6)], maternal health status during pregnancy [AOR = 3.3, 95% CI (1.4; 8.19)], and a family history of mental illness [AOR = 4.1, 95% CI (1.7; 9.6)] were significantly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The study revealed a relatively high prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children and adolescents in Borama town. Being young (aged 6 to 11 years), single-parent family structure, maternal health problems during pregnancy, and familial history of mental illness were identified as significant risk factors. Strengthening community support systems, improving maternal healthcare services, and providing mental health support may help reduce the risk factors associated with ADHD in the society.

Not applicable.