Impact of a Multidimensional Health Education Program on Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in childhood. Lifestyle modification through behavioral parent training is an effective method of treatment; however, the program's effectiveness depends on the parents' adherence to the suggested parenting techniques. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of adherence to a multidimensional health education program encompassing healthy lifestyle practices and behavioral therapy on the severity of ADHD symptoms and body mass index (BMI). Methods: A quasi-experimental trial included children newly diagnosed with ADHD aged between 6 and 9 years, as well as their parents. A health education program about healthy lifestyle choices was implemented. The list that the parents or caregivers completed every two weeks for three successive months. Revised Conners’ Parent Rating Scale, Long Version (CPRS-R-L), and BMI were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: A total of 64 participants were included. The average age was 7.5±0.94 and 54.7% were males. The adherence score was significantly higher in each visit than the previous one (p<0.001), with the highest adherence score in the last visit. There was a significant reduction in BMI and CPRS-R-L after the intervention (p<0.001 for each), with a negative correlation between adherence score and Conners score (r = -0.412). Moreover, the multiple regression analysis revealed that the adherence score was a significant predictor of patient improvement and was independently associated with a reduction in CPRS-R-L scores (p<0.001). Conclusions: The current findings underscore the effective role of a healthy lifestyle in the management of ADHD.