Knowledge and Attitude of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Parents Attending Primary Health-care Centers in Al-Karkh/Baghdad City, 2023

Abstract

Abstract Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children. Knowledge and attitude of parents about the disorder influence the diagnosis, treatment, and future of the child as an individual and as a part of the community. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of parents about ADHD in Alkarkh, Baghdad, Iraq, 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and July 2023, at 12 primary health centers in Al-Karkh Health Directorate in Baghdad City, and a convenient sample of 300 parents was involved. Data were collected using a direct interviewing questionnaire. Results: According to age, 196 (65.3%) of the sample fell in the age group of 31–40 years, the mothers-to-fathers ratio was 5:1, 76.3% of participants had higher education, 206 (68.7%) were employed, 134 (44.7%) participants had fair knowledge, and only 8 (2.7%) had good knowledge. More than two-thirds of parents, 214 (71.5%), had good knowledge about the treatment of ADHD, and 164 (54.8%) had symptoms of the disorder, while they had less knowledge about the nature of ADHD and its risk factors. There was a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) between knowledge level and parent’s education, occupation, and residency. About 252 (84%) parents had positive attitude toward ADHD. The positive attitude was significantly associated with the age, education, occupation, and residency of the participants. Conclusions: Less than half of the study samples had fair knowledge, and the majority had a good attitude regarding ADHD.