Prevalence and Associated Factors of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in School Age Children in Mekelle, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neuron developmental disorder. African children are affected with this disorder which rates from 5.4 to 8.7%. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and its associated factors among school age children at Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2016/17. Method: Cross-sectional survey among 541 children at randomly selected institution was conducted between December 2016 and May 2017. Data were collected using structured questionnaire by trained professionals. We entered and analyzed data using SPSS version 20. Data were described using a frequency, percentage, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify independent predictors of attention deficient hyperactivity disorder. Result: The magnitude of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder was found to be 18.5%. Being preterm (AOR=1.87; 95% CI: 1.01–3.46), and problem with breast feeding (AOR=3.72; 95% CI: 1.19–11.61), current history of child mental problem (AOR=16.56; 95% CI: (4.42–62.04), medical illness during pregnancy (AOR=3.26; 95% CI: 1.49–7.14), and low income status (AOR=6.55; 95% CI: 2.76–15.55) were important factors significantly associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conclusion: In this study being preterm, problem with breast feeding, current history of child mental problem, medical illness during pregnancy and low income status were important factors significantly associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The prevalence was high in this study; that shows attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is significant public health issue that requires a great emphasis. Hence, early screening and intervention for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder should be integrated in primary health care and child care service settings.

Keywords: Prevalence, associated factors, ADHD, Mekelle

Cite this Article

Molla Kassa, Abera Haftu, Weyzer Tilahun. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in School Age Children in Mekelle, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2017. Research & Reviews: Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2018; 7(2):     21–34p.