Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder : A Neglected Issue in the Developing World

الملخص EN

Background.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neglected illness in a developing country.

Objectives.

The objectives of this study are to investigate the prevalence and pattern of ADHD among children in a Nigeria.

Methods.

A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the parents of children (and older children) who attended children outpatients’ clinic during the study period.

The DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were used.

Results.

Two hundred and seventy-three (273) out of 282 questionnaires were filled completely, giving a response rate of 96.8%.

Nine (9) children fulfilled the stated criteria for ADHD giving a prevalence rate of 3.2%.

There is no association between gender and ADHD (P=0.784).

Conclusions.

The prevalence of ADHD in our setting is 3.2%, which is similar to that obtained elsewhere in the world.