Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: November | Volume: 8 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 144-153
A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among School Children Attending Primary Schools in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
K. Kiranmayi1, Dr. S. Hemalatha2, Dr. M. Bhagyalakshmi2
1Assistant Professor, KKC College of Nursing, Parameswara Mangalam, Puttur Andhra Pradesh, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Mental Health Nursing, SVIMS College of Nursing, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences University, Tirupati-517507, Andhra Pradesh, India
Corresponding Author: K. Kiranmayi
ABSTRACT
Background: It is a general assumption that children do not suffer from psychiatric disorders. However, it has been observed that childhood psychiatric disorders are more common than expected in the general population. Many children suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is defined as a persistent pattern of inattention or impulsivity that is formed during growth. It is manifested in two or more contexts (e.g., at home, school or work) and negatively affects the individuals social, academic or occupational functioning. Early identification and intervention of these problems are very important to address issues at early age. The present study was aimed to assess the prevalence of ADHD among school children (7 to 11 years).
Objectives:
- To assess the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among school children studying in primary schools, Tirupati.
- To compute the level of attention (inattention) and behavior (hyperactivity) of children with ADHD.
- To find an association between level of attention and behavior with selected demographic variables.
Methodology of the study: Cross sectional survey approach, of which a time-dimensional research design, which is a type of descriptive study design was used. It was planned to conduct the study in primary schools of selected urban areas in Tirupati. The population were school going children (7 to 11 years), studying in primary schools of selected urban areas, Tirupati. The samples were identified as having features of ADHD based on patent and teacher’s data by applying SNAP- IV TEACHER and PARENT RATING SCALE.
Results: Findings of the study shown that among 403 school going children (7 to 11 years ), 24 (5.9%) identified as having features of ADHD either of inattention, hyperactivity or ADHD-combined type; among 24 (5.9%) identified children, 22 (5.45%) identified as ADHD-combined type; one child (0.24%) identified as ADHD-inattention type and one child (0.24%) identified as ADHD-hyperactive type.
Conclusion: Results of the study confirm the existence of ADHD among the school children (7 to 11 years) in the study population, which clearly states that ADHD- combined type is more predominant than other sub types of ADHD. The boys, girls’ ratio found to be 2:1. Analysis also revealed that there was a significant association between prevalence of ADHD and its subtypes with selected demographic variables such as type of residence, type of school, history of eventful pregnancy and religion at 0.05 level of significance.
Key words: ADHD, Prevalence, Primary school