Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children with sickle cell anaemia seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract: Background
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder
involving persistent and impaired
levels of hyperactivity, impulsiveness and lack of attention associated with impairment in executive
functioning of affected children.
Diagnosis of ADHD in the background of sickle cell anaemia
(SCA), a haemoglobinopathy associated with neurological complications may result in significant
impairment of the child into adulthood, if not detected early. In
view of the fact that ADHD can
be managed if diagnosed early
prompted the undertaking of this
study.
Subjects and Methods: Study was
conducted at the Paediatric Haematology Clinic of the University
of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. Parents of children with
SCA were informed of the study
and consent obtained. Demographic characteristics were recorded. Data collection instrument
was the Parent Version of the
National Institute for Children’s
Health Quality (NICHQ) Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating
Scale (VADRS). Scoring was done
for each participant using the scoring instructions for NICHQ
VADRS following the DSM-IV
criteria.
Results: A total of 103 children
with SCA participated in this
study. Sixty-two (60.2%) were
males while 41 (39.8%) were females. Prevalence of ADHD was
15 (14.6%) with predominantly
inattentive sub-type being the
commonest. Children with stroke
are two times more likely to develop ADHD than those without
stroke (Fisher’s exact test = 0.269,
95% CI= 0.589 to 7.558, Odds
Ratio=2.55). Age, sex and socio- economic status did not significantly affect the diagnosis of
ADHD.
Conclusion: Prevalence of parentreported ADHD in children with
SCA is high, especially in SCA
children with stroke than those
without stroke.
Keywords: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sickle cell
anaemia, Children.