Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequency in Elementary School Students

Abstract

Objective: Determine the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder frequency in Elementary School students of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora. México. Material and methods: In February 2006, a descriptive study was made in an elementary school in Obregon, Sonora. The students chosen were those whose parents gave a written consent, applying a questionnaire by taking into consideration variables such as age, gender, school grade, type of family, socioeconomic status and presence of ADHD. The analysis was applied with certain frequency, in proportions, and measurements with central and disperse tendency. Results: The test was applied to 92 students, 62% male and the rest female. The average age was 9.1 ± 1.9. The ADHD frequency was detected according to the measurement instrument in 19.5%, hyperactivity-impulsiveness and in both genders in 5.4%, with a relation of 3:1 male to 7:1 female. Conclusions: The ADHD frequency is higher than the one reported in other regions of the country, predominating in children who presented an important lack of attention. Nevertheless, hyperactivity-impulsiveness was more frequent than in other studies. The mixed one was less in percentage; therefore it is suggested to have an early prevention to make the necessary actions for its correction.