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. 2024 Mar;14(1):45-53.
doi: 10.1007/s44197-023-00167-4. Epub 2023 Dec 11.

Prevalence of Undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms in the Young Adult Population of the United Arab Emirates: A National Cross-Sectional Study

Nabeel Al-Yateem  1   2 , Shameran Slewa-Younan  3 , Aram Halimi  4   5 , Sara Aideed Saeed  6 , Daniah Tliti  6 , Muna Mohammad  6 , Mada Ridwan  6 , Razan Zeidan  6 , Muna Hasan Hammash  6 , Fatma Refaat Ahmed  6   7 , Jacqueline Maria Dias  6 , Syed Azizur Rahman  8 , Muhammad Arsyad Subu  6 , Heba Hijazi  8   9 , Fatemeh Yeganeh  10 , Aaliyah Momani  11 , Mitra Zandi  12 , Richard Mottershead  6
Affiliations

Prevalence of Undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms in the Young Adult Population of the United Arab Emirates: A National Cross-Sectional Study

Nabeel Al-Yateem et al. J Epidemiol Glob Health. 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a globally prevalent behavioural disorder, remains underdiagnosed, particularly among adults. This issue is exacerbated in the Arab region due to stigma and insufficient healthcare facilities and professionals. Despite the United Arab Emirates (UAE) efforts to improve mental healthcare, shortcomings persist. No studies in the UAE currently assesses the appropriateness of the screening system for ADHD and other behavioural issues. Furthermore, prevalence rates of ADHD, particularly within the young adult population, are absent.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of ADHD amongst young adults attending university in UAE and examine its relationship with gender and academic outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Young adults in their first year at university were recruited from different academic institutions across the UAE. The study utilized the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) for data collection.

Results: A sample of 406 young adults, aged between 18 and 20 years of age were recruited. Approximately, 34.7% (n = 141) reported symptoms suggestive of probable ADHD. Significantly lower grade point average marks were observed in participants with ADHD symptoms (M = 3.15) compared to those without (M = 3.35). Females reported symptoms of probable ADHD at higher rates than males, indicating possibly a potential screening deficiency and a potential stigma consequence.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates a high prevalence of probable ADHD in young adults, particularly among females attending university in the United Arab Emirates. Implications for early screening, service provision, and greater professional health training on this disorder are required.

Keywords: Academic performance; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Mental health stigma; Prevalence; United Arab Emirates; Young adult.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared that they have no competing or potential conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
ASRS Checklist
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