Epidemiological Aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among pupils in Al-Hilla City – Babylon Province –Iraq

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder was an important issue of mental health and welfare affecting pupils at the primary school specially in conflict affected areas including Iraq. Objectives: To identify the prevalence and the epidemiological profile of ADHD among pupils in Al-Hilla city –Babylon province/Iraq. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study which was conducted in 4 randomly selected groups by lottery , the pupils at the primary schools located in AL-Hilla city center, the study was conducted during the academic year 2016-2017 , 100 children were randomly selected from the first three primary school grades. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the behavior of pupils 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. Results: The overall prevalence of ADHD in the study group was 14%,.The male to female ratio was 3.5:1, there was a highly significant association between this disorder and the presence of family history of this health problem p<0.001, parents tobacco smoking habit was significantly associated with the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among their children ( the combined type)p<0.05, there was significant relationship between poor school achievement and this behavioral problem p<0.05. In conclusion, ADHD is an important health problem among pupils in Hilla city . Intervention should be made to improve health care providers and teachers’ knowledge about this problem and control the modifiable risk factors.