Ehsanullah Syed, Sajida Abdul Hussein.
Prevalence of parent-rated hyperkinetic disorder and associated risk factors in school going population.
Pak J Neurological Sci Dec ;2(1):1-5.

Background: Hyperkinetic disorder is among the most prevalent mental disorders in children and is one of the most difficult diagnoses to categorize. Clinic-based studies in Pakistan have reported a very high prevalence. There are no reported community based studies from Pakistan. Aim: To determine the prevalence of hyperkinetic disorder amongst school children and to identify associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 5-11 year-olds attending mainstream private and community schools was conducted in Karachi. Assessment of hyperkinetic disorder was conducted using Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: A total of 675 parents agreed to participate in the study (response rate 45.3 %). We found estimates of hyperkinetic disorder to be higher than reported from other countries. Based on parent`s ratings, 18.8% of children were `abnormal` on the hyperactivity subset of the SDQ. Regression analysis revealed that the adjusted odds of a female child being rated abnormal was only half that of a male (0.R.=0.48; 95% CI 0.3 - 0.7; p=0.001). Conclusion: Consistent with most studies, risk of hyperkinetic disorder was greater for males than females. There is a need for developing programs to train, sensitize and mobilize teachers and parents regarding behavioral problems in children.

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