Prevalence and related factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in students of Yazd primary schools (2004)

Abstract Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood mental disorders. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of ADHD in 2004 Method: This cross-sectional study was performed on 1085 students selected through a multistage random sampling. The data were collected using two questionnaires a CSI-4 (teacher and parent version) questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire. Findings: Based on reports by parents, 13.4% of students were found to have ADHD. Of these 6.8% were inattentive type, 9.2% hyperactive-impulsive type, and 3.1% with combined type. The prevalence of ADHD according to the teachers’ report was 18%. Additionally, the prevalence rates for inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type were 12.5%, 9.3% and 4.1%, respectively. Factors such as gender, education satisfaction, history of educational failure, and age were shown to act as associated factors for ADHD reported by parents and teachers. Conclusion: The prevalence of ADHD in Yazd is similar to those of other studies thus, the school consultants and psychiatrists are recommended to pay serious attention in identification of ADHD with further therapeutic intervention to prevent the progress of such condition.