Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder among Schoolchildren in Alshowmly district Babylon Governorate

Background and Objective: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder was an important mental health problem and affecting primary school children especially in arm conflict areas like Iraq. The Objective is to identify the prevalence and the epidemiological feature of this mental health problem among Iraqi primary children in southern district in Babylon Governorate.Materials and Methods: This was a snap shot descriptive study which was conducted in two randomly selected elementary schools by lottery, the primary schools located in AL- Showmly district located in the southern region of Babylon governorate during the academic year ۲۰۲۱-۲۰۲۲. ۵۰ children were selected randomly from the first three primary school grades using systematic random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to assess behavior of schoolchildren by both teachers and parents after obtaining their verbal consents. The questionnaire was designed according to the formula of diagnostic criteria of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders used by American Academy of Pediatrics. Demographic information were collected together with family history of this health problem and tobacco use by parents.Results: Fifty elementary school children were involved, male to female ratio ۱.۷:۱. The prevalence of ADHD in this study among primary school children was ۱۶%, the highestproportion of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder was among young age group children. There was significant statistical association between positive family history of ADHD and parents tobacco smoking with the development of this health problem among children (P<۰.۰۵).Conclusion: ADHD prevalence was relatively high among the studied sample of schoolchildren. Significant association was identified between family history and parenttobacco smoking and ADHD. Further large-scale studies are requested to path the way for prevention.

کلیدواژه ها:

ADHD ، primary school children ، Babylon ، Iraq