Assessment of ADHD Knowledge, Awareness, and Beliefs Among Parents of Children and Adolescents With ADHD in the Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine
Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, and adequate parental knowledge is important for recognizing symptoms and supporting appropriate management. This study assessed parental knowledge, awareness, and beliefs regarding ADHD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of children and adolescents with ADHD residing in the Riyadh Region between September 2023 and May 2024. Data were collected anonymously using a 32-item self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to assess associations between parental characteristics and knowledge and belief categories. Results A total of 388 parents participated, of whom 84.3% were mothers. Most participants demonstrated good recognition of common ADHD symptoms; 95.6% recognized difficulties with maintaining attention, and 92.8% recognized difficulties remaining focused. However, misconceptions remained common, with 68.3% believing that individuals with ADHD are always hyperactive and only 41.5% correctly recognizing that childhood ADHD medication use does not increase the risk of drug abuse during adolescence. More favorable knowledge/awareness was significantly associated with parental sex, age, educational level, and child sex, while more favorable beliefs were associated with parental sex and educational level. Additionally, 94.6% of parents reported a need for additional ADHD awareness c
Abstract
Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, and adequate parental knowledge is important for recognizing symptoms and supporting appropriate management. This study assessed parental knowledge, awareness, and beliefs regarding ADHD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of children and adolescents with ADHD residing in the Riyadh Region between September 2023 and May 2024. Data were collected anonymously using a 32-item self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to assess associations between parental characteristics and knowledge and belief categories. Results A total of 388 parents participated, of whom 84.3% were mothers. Most participants demonstrated good recognition of common ADHD symptoms; 95.6% recognized difficulties with maintaining attention, and 92.8% recognized difficulties remaining focused. However, misconceptions remained common, with 68.3% believing that individuals with ADHD are always hyperactive and only 41.5% correctly recognizing that childhood ADHD medication use does not increase the risk of drug abuse during adolescence. More favorable knowledge/awareness was significantly associated with parental sex, age, educational level, and child sex, while more favorable beliefs were associated with parental sex and educational level. Additionally, 94.6% of parents reported a need for additional ADHD awareness campaigns. Conclusion Although parents demonstrated good recognition of common ADHD symptoms, important misconceptions regarding ADHD and its management remain. Targeted parent education and awareness programs may help address these knowledge gaps and support better-informed care for children and adolescents with ADHD.