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Showing posts from May, 2010

ADHD Prevalence Study in Jamaica

Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in students, 4-15 years, attending rural and urban schools In Jamaica (A study commissioned by the Mc Cam Child Development and Resource Centre) One of the most frequently diagnosed mental health problems of children globally is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a major concern of child health specialists and educators because it typically undermines a child’s learning potential and impairs social skills and behaviour. This study sought to determine the prevalence of ADHD in Jamaican students, using a purposive sample of 243 pre-school to secondary level students, 4 – 15 years, attending urban and rural schools in Jamaica . Standardised assessments of behaviours specific to ADHD completed by parents and teachers were used to identify ADHD along with in-depth interviews with parents. The results indicate almost a quarter of the sample (19.6%) had significantly high symptoms of inattention or