Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in schoolchildren in Crete

  1. Maria Skounti1,
  2. Anastas Philalithis2,
  3. Katerina Mpitzaraki3,
  4. Michail Vamvoukas4,
  5. Emmanouil Galanakis5,*

Article first published online: 2 JAN 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2006.tb02312.x

Issue

Acta Paediatrica

Acta Paediatrica

Volume 95, Issue 6, pages 658–663, June 2006

Additional Information

How to Cite

Skounti, M., Philalithis, A., Mpitzaraki, K., Vamvoukas, M. and Galanakis, E. (2006), Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in schoolchildren in Crete. Acta Paediatrica, 95: 658–663. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2006.tb02312.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    47th Primary School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

  2. 2

    Department of Social Medicine, University of Crete, Greece

  3. 3

    Department of Psychiatry, Venizelion General Hospital, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

  4. 4

    Faculty of Education, University of Crete, Greece

  5. 5

    Department of Paediatrics, University of Crete, Greece

* Emmanouil Galanakis, Department of Paediatrics, University of Crete, PO Box 2208 Heraklion 710 03 Greece. +30 2810 392 012 +30 2810 392 827 egalanak@med.uoc.gr

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 2 JAN 2007
  2. Article first published online: 2 JAN 2007
  3. Received 10 May 2005; Revised 23 December 2005; Accepted

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Keywords:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder;
  • Greece;
  • prevalence;
  • schoolchildren;
  • screening questionnaires

Abstract

Aim: To explore the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 7-y-old child residents of Crete, Greece. Methods: The study combined information from both parents and teachers for 1708 elementary school children attending the first grade in 101 classes of 55 primary schools. A two-stage screening process was employed, including the ADHD test and a rating scale of student behaviour. Parents completed the ADHD test and teachers the rating scale of student behaviour. Results: Both questionnaires were completed for 1285 (75.2%) children. Among them, 84 children (6.5%; 95% CI 5.2–7.9%) met the study criteria for ADHD. The estimated prevalence was 8.8% for boys (95% CI 6.6–11.0%) and 4.2% for girls (95% CI 2.6–5.7%). No significant differences were observed regarding urban, semi-urban or rural residence.

Conclusion: By using a combination screening procedure, both the ADHD prevalence among first-grade schoolchildren in Crete and the gender differences in prevalence were found to be comparable to those reported from other countries. The methods used and the problems faced illustrate the challenges involved in conducting population-based studies of ADHD.

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