article · Behavioural Neurology
A cross-sectional study conducted in rural Ethiopia examined the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among 1,302 children aged between 6 and 17 years. Data were collected using the Disruptive Behaviour Disorder Rating Scale via a multistage cluster sampling approach. The overall prevalence rate was found to be 7.3 per cent, which is consistent with global epidemiological figures. Statistical analysis identified several notable risk factors. Male children, children living with a single parent, those with specific birth order ranks, and those from households with low socioeconomic status had significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with the condition. The findings point to the potential importance of early maternal complication management in reducing rates of the disorder.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is extensively studied in high-income countries, but data from rural African settings remain limited. Demonstrating that rural prevalence matches global figures highlights an overlooked public health challenge. Identifying linked factors such as low socioeconomic status and family structure helps health authorities and schools recognise affected children and prioritise resources for early intervention and maternal health care.
The abstract does not indicate an immediate commercial application pathway, as it reports baseline epidemiological data. The findings could, however, guide non-governmental organisations and diagnostic developers designing culturally appropriate screening tools and community-level mental health programmes. Any potential diagnostic or therapeutic tool based on this work remains at an early concept stage.
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OBJECTIVE: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral disorders in childhood with long-term outcomes. Although ADHD is the most studied behavioral disorders of childhood in developed countries, few studies have been conducted in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ADHD in rural parts of Ethiopia. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2015 among children aged 6 to 17 years living in rural areas. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 1302 participants. The Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scale was used to collect the data. Logistic regression analysis was used to see statistically significant variables. RESULT: The prevalence rate of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children was 7.3%. Being male (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.81, 95% CI: (1.13, 2.91)); living with a single parent (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI: (2.35, 10.65)); child birth order/rank (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI: (1.30, 4.25)); and low family socioeconomic status (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI: (1.29, 4.59)) were significantly associated with ADHD. CONCLUSION: The ADHD prevalence rate was found to be similar with global reports. Prevention and early management of maternal complications is important to reduce the prevalence of ADHD among children.
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DOI: 10.1155/2019/1753580
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