BMC Pediatr. 2025 Jul 5;25(1):533. doi: 10.1186/s12887-025-05851-x.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) need constant access to medical resources. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), preference for clinic visits, and treatment in China.
METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional study included children aged 6-12 along with their parents and head-teachers who filled in the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham scale version IV-Parent/Teacher scales and self-compiled questionnaires.
RESULTS: In 12,376 children, 42.2% reported ADHD-related symptoms. A total of 23.6% of children with positive screening results visited a hospital. Parents chose to enhance discipline (68.8%), and seek assistance from doctors (55.7%), psychological consultants (55.3%), or teachers (33.4%). If their children had symptoms, 1732 parents would visit a clinic. Parents’ low education level, sufficient knowledge, and choice to consult doctors, boys, and children in areas other than Northwest and Southwest China predicted more clinical service (all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Over 70% of children with suspected ADHD had no clinical visit, and gender, parents’ education level, disease awareness, and geographic region are influencing factors.
PMID:40616002 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-025-05851-x
