Prevalence and risk factors of attention deficit hyperactive disorder among children aged 6-17 years in arbaminch City, Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common neurodevelopmental diseases affecting children and adolescents all over the world. There is limited evidence on the magnitude of ADHD among children in the Southern Nation and Nationality region in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of ADHD among children aged 6-17 years in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Arba Minch city from April 5 to May 5, 2023. A study included 520 participants. A multistage sampling followed by systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants. The Vanderbilt ADHD diagnostic DSM-IV criteria using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire with a face-to-face interview were used to assess the outcome. For data entry and analysis, Epi Info version 7 and STATA version 14 software were used, respectively. Variables with a p < 0.25 from the bivariate analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify statistically significant variables with a p-value of < 0.05. The adjusted odds ratio presented the strength of the association with a 95% confidence interval.

Result: The prevalence of ADHD was found to be 9.77% (95% CI; 7.47-12.66) in Arbaminch city. Family history of mental illness (AOR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.15-4.45), children with a history of previous mental health problems (AOR = 7.11; 95% CI: 1.66-30.41), children whose mothers used alcohol during pregnancy (AOR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.41-7.99), and children whose mothers smoked tobacco during their lifetime (AOR = 4.17; 95% CI: 1.05-16.89) were significantly associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Conclusion: According to this study, one in ten children in Arbaminch City, Ethiopia, is diagnosed with ADHD. Key predictors of ADHD include a prior history of mental illness in the child, maternal smoking, alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and a family history of mental disorders. Consequently, children with previous mental health issues and those from families with a history of mental illness should receive special attention. Additionally, expectant mothers must be informed about the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco consumption on fetal development.