Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and scientific school performances among Moroccan children

Abstract

Background and aimAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is classified as neurodevelopmental disorders. ADHD is one of the major problems in childhood encountered most often in schools. A study realized by Platt in 2011 show that children with ADHD often experience difficulties in mathematics. The aim of this study is to assess whether there is a relationship between school performance in scientific subjects (mathematics and natural science) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.MethodsThe study was realized among 239 children studying in a urban school in Kenitra city (North-West of Morocco), and aged from 6 to 16 years. To evaluate the relationship between ADHD and the average class results of mathematics and natural science, Conners rating scale (parent and teacher short version) and the academic transcripts are used.ResultsThe results show that there is a significant correlation (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) between the average class results in each natural science and mathematics and three components of Conners rating scales (parent's version), which are behavioral difficulties, learning difficulties and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Furthermore, the Conners rating scale (teacher's version) show, also, that there is a significant correlation (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) between behavioral difficulties, hyperactivity/impulsivity and Inattention passivity and the average class results in natural science and in mathematics.ConclusionAs known, children with ADHD are not less intelligent than other children, although our study show that children with ADHD represent low marks in natural science and in mathematics. In fact, deeper investigations are needed to study the possible factors that could affect ADHD children's school performance.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.