Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a rising public health problem affecting child quality of life.
Objectives: To study the prevalence and socio-demographic risk factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among primary school children in a rural area of Sohag governorate.
Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional community based study design was carried out in two villages of Sohag governorate. Using structured interview questionnaires to collect relevant data. To identify children with probable ADHD a validated questionnaire based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders, 4th Edition (DSM IV) was used. It has a parent's copy and a teacher's copy.
Results: This study included 854 primary school students in two villages of Sohag governorate. The prevalence of probable ADHD was 9.6%. The prevalence of ADHD was significantly associated with low socioeconomic level, higher birth order, male gender, smoker father, consanguineous parents, family history of ADHD, low birth weight, artificially fed children and pupils living with single parent.
Conclusion and recommendations: ADHD is prevalent among primary school pupils in rural areas of Sohag governorate. Efforts are required to control associated risk factors of ADHD and decrease its prevalence.