Symptoms of Inattention and Hyperactivity in Children With Risk Factors for Obesity

Abstract

Background and aims: Surprisingly, previous research has suggested an association between overweight and symptoms of inattention/hyperactivity (ADHD) in children. This study aims to explore whether children with risk factors for obesity recruited to an activity intervention have higher rates of inattention/hyperactivity compared to a normative population.Method: Children in 12 primary schools aged 9 to 11 years were screened for teacher rated overweight, low exercise self-efficacy, self reported inactivity and other barriers to activity such as asthma. Children meeting inclusion criteria were recruited to a school-based physical activity intervention. Baseline measures included body mass index (BMI) and the teacher and parent reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).Results: Of 1087 children screened, 447 met inclusion criteria. Of those, 180 (40%) children were recruited to the study (42% boys) with 62 (35%) of the children above the 91st centile for BMI. The teacher-rated SDQ hyperactivity/inattention subscale mean score was 3.65 compared to the norm value of 2.9 (p=0.001) and 36.7% scored above the cut-off for possible disorder compared to 17.5% in the normative sample (OR =2.09, CI=1.47-2.97). The parent-rated SDQ hyperactivity/inattention subscale mean score was 4.0 compared to normative value of 3.5 (p=0.05). Twenty-seven (26%) of children scored above the cut-off for possible disorder: a non-significant difference compared to 22.1% in the normative sample. There was no relationship between BMI and symptoms of hyperactivity/inattention in this selected sample.Conclusion: The findings indicate that inactive children with barriers to exercise have higher levels of reported hyperactivity/inattention problems compared to a normative sample.