Prevalence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Primary School Children in Oforikrom, Ghana Based on the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale

• DOI: 10.12809/eaap1907
• Publication Date: 2020-09-30T04:13:07Z
• Authors: Reindolf Anokye; Enoch Acheampong; Anthony Edusei; Isaac Owusu; Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah
• Keywords: Male; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Schools; Adolescent; [RSTDPub]; 4. Education; Ghana; Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Child, Preschool; Medicine and Health Sciences; Prevalence; Humans; Female; Child; Students; 10. No inequality

To determine the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among primary school children in Oforikrom, Kumasi, Ghana.10 of 35 primary schools in Oforikrom were readily available. Of 2000 children aged 5 to 13 years selected, 1540 (77%) of their parents/guardians consented to participate. Their parents/guardians and six teachers from each school were asked to complete the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale to screen children for the presence of ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, or conduct disorder. Children who displayed symptoms (pretty much or very much) in most related items as determined by parents and/or teachers were considered positive cases.The mean age of 1540 pupils was 9 ± 2.16 years. Most (31%) were primary 4 pupils. 5% of pupils displayed ADHD symptoms (attention deficit disorder subtype in 36%, hyperactivity disorder subtype in 27%, and combined subtype in 37%). Of them, 51% were male. Most (19%) of those who displayed the symptoms were in primary 5.The prevalence of ADHD among primary school children in Oforikrom was 5%. 51% of those with ADHD symptoms were male. Most (19%) of those with ADHD symptoms were in primary 5.