Exploring the Prevalence and Social Determinants of ADHD and Comorbidities Among Urban School Aged Children in Bangladesh
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Abstract
Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder among children, often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. In Bangladesh, limited research has explored the prevalence of ADHD and its comorbidities, particularly in urban school-aged children, and how social determinants such as socioeconomic status and parental education influence these outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ADHD and its comorbidities among urban school-aged children in Bangladesh and to explore the impact of sociodemographic factors, including gender, age, parental education, and socioeconomic status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2024, involving 160 children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with ADHD from urban schools in Khulna and Jashore. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and medical records. The study evaluated sociodemographic characteristics, the prevalence of ADHD with comorbidities, and associations between ADHD prevalence and social determinants using chi-square tests for statistical significance. Results: ADHD-only cases comprised 56.3% of the sample, while 43.7% had comorbid conditions, including anxiety (18.8%), depression (12.5%), and learning disabilities (6.3%). Males had a higher prevalence of ADHD only (68.4%), while females exhibited more comorbidities (p = 0.001). Socioeconomic status significantly influenced comorbidities (p = 0.031), with children from lower-income families showing higher rates. Parental education was also associated with ADHD comorbidities, particularly in children of less-educated parents (p = 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights a significant burden of ADHD and comorbidities among urban school-aged children in Bangladesh, particularly among females and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Addressing these disparities requires tailored interventions, focusing on early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment strategies.
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