Factors associated with the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in schoolchildren aged 6 to 13 years in the city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

The variability of prevalence rates of attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) in the literature raises questions about its etiology and the factors predisposing to its manifestation. The causes are multidimensional, but the current scientific consensus focuses on genetic predisposition and gene-environment interactions. A previous study estimated its prevalence at 13.74%. In this study, the objective was to determine the factors associated with the occurrence of ADHD in schoolchildren in the city of Ouagadougou. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, between March and August 2021. The identification of factors associated with ADHD was carried out by employing logistic regression modeling. The significance level was set at 5%. The results of this research allowed us to quantify the association between gender and age in relation to the development of ADHD. The univariate and multivariate statistical analysis allowed us to establish a causal relationship between hereditary and environmental factors and the development of ADHD. ADHD symptoms are as common among school children in Ouagadougou. The use of insecticide, gasoline odor exposure, and poor long treatment were described as risk factors for ADHD. This is an exploratory study that will add to the limited body of knowledge in the scientific literature with respect to child development.