title: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a neglected issue in the developing world.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neglected illness in a developing country.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study are to investigate the prevalence and pattern of ADHD among children in a Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the parents of children (and older children) who attended children outpatients' clinic during the study period. The DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two hundred and seventy-three (273) out of 282 questionnaires were filled completely, giving a response rate of 96.8%. Nine (9) children fulfilled the stated criteria for ADHD giving a prevalence rate of 3.2%. There is no association between gender and ADHD (P = 0.784).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of ADHD in our setting is 3.2%, which is similar to that obtained elsewhere in the world.
authors: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, PMB 01129, Enugu 400001, Nigeria.
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Chinawa
authors: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, PMB 01129, Enugu 400001, Nigeria.
authors: O I
authors: OI
authors: Odetunde
authors: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, PMB 01129, Enugu 400001, Nigeria.
authors: Herbert A
authors: HA
authors: Obu
authors: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla, PMB 01129, Enugu 400001, Nigeria.
authors: A T
authors: AT
authors: Chinawa
authors: Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
authors: Muideen O
authors: MO
authors: Bakare
authors: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, PMB 01129, Enugu 400001, Nigeria.
authors: F A
authors: FA
authors: Ujunwa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires