Abstract
BackgroundParents’ knowledge and misconception about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) influences their children’s access to care, its management and outcome. The study aimed to investigate parents’ knowledge and perceptions of ADHD.MethodsThe cross-sectional survey of 79 parents of children (aged 5–17 years) with ADHD at a specialist child psychiatry clinic in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, consisted of a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, and the Knowledge of Attention Disorders Scale questionnaire, was carried out.ResultsTwenty-six (32.9%) parents consulted a traditional healer, of whom 84.6% did so before consulting a medical doctor, with 61.5% reporting that the healer suggested psychiatric referral. Most parents had some knowledge of their child’s ADHD diagnosis but held various misconceptions about its treatment and associated factors: 92.4% believed that reducing sugar or food additives were effective to reduce symptoms; 78.5% that treatments focussing on punishment reduced the symptoms; 67.1% that prolonged use of stimulant medications leads to increased addiction (i.e. drug, alcohol) in adulthood.ConclusionMany parents had misconceptions about ADHD’s causes and treatment, some having consulted traditional healers, indicating the need to increase awareness among health practitioners to ensure timeous treatment access. A parent focussed psycho-education programme is required that provides information about causes, symptoms, treatment and prognosis.
Highlights
Attitude or perception about psychiatric conditions is essential for young children, as these are the people who rely to access care, ensure treatment adherence and provide support to improve the outcomes.[1]
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder accounts for a significant number of child referrals to psychiatric and paediatric mental health services
The incidence of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is comparable in both white and African Americans in the United States (US), fewer children of the latter were diagnosed and treated, which may be because of the complex barriers extending from the home to the health care system.[7]
Summary
Attitude or perception about psychiatric conditions is essential for young children, as these are the people who rely to access care, ensure treatment adherence and provide support to improve the outcomes.[1] According to the Health Belief Model,[2] knowledge of mental conditions and their management determines treatment-seeking behaviour, this being key to improving the outcomes for children.[3] Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood-onset psychiatric disorders and has a stable worldwide prevalence of 5% – 7%,4,5,6 including in Africa[5] and South Africa.[6]. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder accounts for a significant number of child referrals to psychiatric and paediatric mental health services. Parents’ knowledge and misconception about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) influences their children’s access to care, its management and outcome. The study aimed to investigate parents’ knowledge and perceptions of ADHD
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
