Community Knowledge about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: The majority of earlier studies on knowledge and attitudes around ADHD have been focused on parents of children with ADHD, the child themselves, primary care providers, teachers, and children’s families, and they have found that they have negative perceptions of ADHD. This study aimed to explore community knowledge about ADHD in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia in January 2022 to explore community knowledge about ADHD in Saudi Arabia. The convenience sampling technique was used to identify eligible participants and invite them to take part in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify ADHD knowledge predictors. Results: A total of 718 participants were involved in this study. The participants in our study showed a weak level of knowledge about ADHD with a mean score of 6.4 (SD: 2.2) out of 17 (which is equal to 37.6% out of the maximum obtainable score). Males, those who work outside the healthcare sector, and those who are retired were less likely to be knowledgeable about ADHD compared to others (p ≤ 0.05). At the same time, participants who reported that they work inside the healthcare sector were more likely to be knowledgeable about ADHD compared to others (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: Our study showed that there is insufficient public knowledge about ADHD. The development of educational interventions is necessary to raise public awareness of ADHD. Social media platforms can be used to deliver education campaigns. All members of the community, including parents and those who want to get married, should be the target of these initiatives.