Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Among School Children of Kolhapur, India

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a most common psychiatric disorder. The average lifetime global prevalence of any mental morbidity is estimated to be 13.67%, however, the current prevalence is 10.56%. In India, the prevalence of ADHD lies between the range of 2% and 17%. Aim: To assess the prevalence of ADHD and to evaluate if any association exists between preselected socio - demographic variables and ADHD among the school children from selected schools in Kolhapur, India. Methods: A cross - sectional study was performed among 100 children aged between 10 and 12 years. Multistage sampling method was adopted for this study. Collection of baseline data obtained from the study participants and the data were recorded after obtaining informed consent from respective parents and their school principals. Results: During the survey, 100 children aged 10 - 12 years were recruited, out of which 51 children were boys. The prevalence of ADHD was found to be 6% (6/100). There was higher prevalence of ADHD in boys (83.3%) as compared to girls (16.6%). The results revealed that 83.3% (5/6) students suffering from ADHD were residing in joint family. No family history of ADHD was recorded in all the 6 children. Fifty percent (50%, 3/6) children were of 12 years of age. The prevalence of ADHD among the students from a lower monthly income family was higher (66.6%) as compared to the students from a higher monthly income family (16.6%). Conclusion: Prevalence of ADHD was 6% (6/100). A higher prevalence of ADHD in boys was recorded. Demographic characteristics observed in children with ADHD were from joint family set - up and lower income group.