Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder knowledge and awareness among clinical medical students in Jordan

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with significant global prevalence, particularly among children. Despite its impact, awareness and knowledge about ADHD among healthcare professionals remain limited in many regions. This study investigates the level of knowledge and awareness of ADHD among medical students in Jordan, aiming to identify gaps in their understanding. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey, we collected and analyzed data to assess participants' knowledge of ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and management. The findings reveal critical deficiencies in knowledge, highlighting the need for enhanced education on ADHD within medical curricula.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 medical students in their clinical years of training at six Jordanian medical schools, between September 2022 and March 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge, and awareness based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for ADHD. The questionnaire was pilot-tested and validated (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78).

Approximately 78% of participants displayed good awareness of ADHD (score ≥ 60%). Significant predictors of knowledge included the year of study (P < 0.001), completion of psychiatry (P < 0.001) and pediatrics rotations (P < 0.001), and marital status (P = 0.014). Subgroup analyses revealed knowledge gaps in recognizing ADHD subtypes and the required duration of symptoms for diagnosis.

This study highlights the overall good level of ADHD knowledge among Jordanian clinical medical students, demonstrating their preparedness to recognize ADHD as future healthcare providers. However, it also identifies specific gaps, particularly in recognizing ADHD subtypes. These findings emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions to address these gaps, further enhancing students' readiness to identify ADHD effectively in clinical practice.