Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in school-going children in rural Konkan region of Maharashtra.

BACKGROUND

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood characterised by attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The present study was designed to compute the prevalence of ADHD and assess the association of the predetermined demographic variables and ADHD in school-going children aged 6-12 years in rural areas of Konkan.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Using the first edition of Vanderbilt's scale - D4 (Teacher's informant) by National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ) for identifying symptoms of ADHD in children, a questionnaire was filled out for each child with input from their class teacher. These data were then compiled and analysed.

RESULTS

Out of the 133 participants in the study aged 6-12 years, the gender distribution was 69 boys and 64 girls. The mean age was 9.2 ± 2.3 years. Of which, one student (0.75%) was found to have a predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD (ADHD-IA). The prevalence was found to be 1.5% (2/133). In addition, one student (0.75%) was found to have a combined ADHD-IA and hyperactive (ADHD-H/I) subtype of ADHD (ADHD-C). The latter was also positive for the anxiety/depression screening scale administered as part of the same questionnaire. The total symptom score for questions 1-18 was 8.44 ± 7.29.

CONCLUSION

One of the most common neurodivergent conditions among school-age children is ADHD. Using an easy-to-use questionnaire, teachers and parents can report those experiencing symptoms of ADHD. Early diagnosis and treatment are recommended to avoid complications and aid in the improvement of quality of life.