Attention deficit hyperactivity and oppositional defiance disorder in HIV-infected South African children

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) in HIV-infected South African children.

Methods: Swanson, Nolan and Pelham (SNAP-IV) questionnaires were used to determine ADHD and ODD severity and a draw-a-person (DAP) test was used to screen for developmental disorders. Associations between behavioural subtypes, psychological functioning, demographic and health variables were investigated.

Results: The SNAP-IV caregiver questionnaires showed a 26% prevalence of ADHD inattentive type; 38% hyperactive type and 24% combined type. The prevalence of ODD was 12% on parent questionnaires and 9.5% on teacher's questionnaires.

Conclusions: Parents/caregiver-only SNAP-IV questionnaires indicate a high prevalence of significant ADHD (all subtypes) and ODD in HIV-infected children. No significant differences were found between the severity of HIV disease and the presence of a behavioural disorder. The SNAP IV questionnaires and DAP test may prove valuable screening tools in HIV children with behavioural problems.