Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder among school children in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Journal: African health sciences

Volume: 5

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 2008

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Neurology, Kinshasa University Hospital, Kinshasa, Congo. esperance_Kashala@yahoo.com

Abstract summary 

To estimate the prevalence and determinants of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms among school children in Kinshasa, an African urban setting.The 18-items of the Disruptive Behaviour Disorder rating scale (DBD), which is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental disorders 4(th) edition (DSM-IV), were used to investigate the presence of ADHD symptoms. Parents interviews, using a questionnaire specially designed for the study, were performed to identify socio-demographic characteristics. All children were subject to a clinical examination.The estimated prevalence of DSM-IV ADHD symptoms was 6%. Those with family health problems, younger age at start of primary school, good nutritional status and poor school performance more often had DSM-IV ADHD symptoms.ADHD symptoms are as common among school children in Kinshasa as elsewhere. The socio-demographic factors described as risk factors for ADHD in high-income countries were not identified in this study.

Authors & Co-authors:  Kashala Tylleskar Elgen Kayembe Sommerfelt

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Barkley RA. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment. Second ed. New York: Guilford Press; 1998.
Authors :  5
Identifiers
Doi : 
SSN : 1729-0503
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
Other Terms
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Democratic republic of Congo
Publication Country
Uganda