Estimating the prevalence of attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) in school children of the Canary Islands

Abstract

The main purpose of this study has been to determine the prevalence of Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD) in the Canary Islands in the population aged 6 to 12 years old. For this, the sampling design used was multistage stratified cluster proportional. The strata were the type of school, the Island and educational level, and conglomerates were the schools. From a study sample of 118.467 students enrolled in mainstream schools, we obtained a sample of 2.395 students. Scales were used Attention-Deficit/Hiperactivity Disorder Rating Scales IV (ADHD RS-IV) for parents and teachers. We found an overall prevalence of 4.9%, of which 3.1% were inattentive subtype, 1.1% hyperactive, and 0.7% combined. The prevalence rate was different depending on sex differences; the incidence was higher in males. The educational implications and social health of our findings suggest the importance of carrying out an identification, diagnosis and early treatment that will help children with ADHD can develop their full potential, and thus a significant