Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in elementary school students in Hamadan

Background and aims: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent disorder in children. Due to the importance of the disorder in children and its complications, this study aimed to assess the relation of the disorder with demographic factors in students of schools located in the Hamadan city, west of Iran. Methods: In this study, 1000 students were selected through randomized cluster sampling from Hamadan elementary schools in 2014. Data were gathered using Conners questionnaire. Conners questionnaire completed by teachers and parents. Results were analyzed using SPSS statistical software through Chi-square, Pierson correlation coefficient, and T-test. Results: The overall ADHD prevalence rate in this sample was determined to be 11.3%. For boys, this prevalence rate of ADHD was 19.4% and had significant difference with girls (P<0.01). The prevalence of ADHD in families with 1-3 children was 8.7% while it was 15.8% in families with 4 children and more. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.003). There was also higher prevalence among children of parents with lower level of education. Conclusion: ADHD is prevalent in community of Iran. Results indicated that diagnosis must be based on exact and persistent psychological symptoms. It is necessary that schools authorities in region 1 and 2 of Hamadan city take steps to find the cases and manage them.