Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Selected Urban and Rural Schools of Mysore District,...

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood, marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In India, limited awareness and variable access to diagnosis result in underidentification, particularly across socio-geographic divides.

To estimate the prevalence of ADHD among children aged 6-11 years in selected urban and rural schools of Mysuru District, Karnataka and to analyze the subtype distribution and gender-based differences.

A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 739 schoolchildren selected by the simple random sampling. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scales - Teacher and Parent versions - based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-5 criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS v28; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The overall prevalence of ADHD was 13.8%, with the combined subtype being most common (52%), followed by inattentive (27%) and hyperactive (21%). The prevalence was higher in boys (15.86%) than girls (10.86%) and significantly higher in urban schools (16.2%) compared to rural (9.7%) ( P = 0.01). Over 87% of affected children exhibited moderate to severe functional impairment, particularly in the combined group. Teachers reported more hyperactivity, while parents noted inattentiveness. Notably, 56% of cases had not been previously identified.

ADHD is common yet underdiagnosed among Indian schoolchildren. Subtype-specific impairments and urban-rural disparities highlight the need for early screening, multi-informant assessments, and equitable, school-based interventions. Collaborative efforts among educators, parents, and healthcare providers are essential to improve the diagnosis and outcomes.