Psychometric Assessment of the Arabic Translation of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Version 1.1 6-Question Screener

In the Middle East and North Africa, there is a dearth of research on Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Offering a brief, publicly available, and psychometrically valid screening instrument for adult ADHD that can be easily used in large-scale surveys among Arabic-speaking populations could encourage research and facilitate case detection. The purpose of this study was to translate the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale v1.1 6-Question Screener (ASRS-6) into Arabic and assess its psychometric properties among a sample of Lebanese adults from the general population.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2025 using an online survey distributed via a mixed convenience and snowball sampling. A total of 1059 Lebanese adults participated (mean age = 28.52 ± 11.41 years; 66.0% females). The questionnaire included the Arabic ASRS-6, the validated Arabic versions of the Stress Numerical Rating Scale-11, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index. The total sample was randomly divided into two split-half subsamples, one for the exploratory (EFA) and the second for the confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis.

The EFA and CFA supported the one factor structure, which showed acceptable fit indices. A correlation was added between residuals of items 5 and 6, which improved the model fit and was consequently used in the analysis. A Cronbach's alpha of 0.68 indicated acceptable internal consistency. A significantly higher ASRS-6 mean scores was found in females versus males (10.85 ± 3.98 vs 10.22 ± 4.09; t (1057) = -2.41, p = 0.009, Cohen's d = 0.157). A significantly higher ASRS-6 mean score was found in single participants compared to married ones (10.84 ± 3.95 vs 10.19 ± 4.16; t (1057) = 2.46, p = 0.014, Cohen's d = 0.163). However, no significant difference was found between participants with a secondary level of education or less compared to those with a university education level in terms of ASRS-6 scores (10.20 ± 4.32 vs 10.73 ± 3.95; t (1057) = -1.68, p = 0.094, Cohen's d = 0.131). Higher ASRS-6 scores were significantly associated with higher depression (r = 0.33; p < 0.001), anxiety (r = 0.33; p < 0.001), stress (r = 0.30; p < 0.001), and lower well-being scores (r = -0.38; p < 0.001).

The results provide initial support for applying the Arabic version of the ASRS-6 screener in community epidemiological surveys, clinical outreach, and case-finding initiatives. However, additional work is needed to approve its validity and expand its use in different Arab nations.