ADHD Diagnosis in Children of Non-US-Born Parents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Objective(s): To assess the likelihood of ADHD diagnosis in children of non-US-born caregivers relative to children of US-born caregivers. Method: Cross-sectional analysis of a combined 2016 to 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health dataset ( n = 109,881) was performed to identify associations between caregiver’s birth outside the U.S. and child’s ADHD diagnosis. Logistic regression models adjusted for potential sociodemographic confounders. Results: Children with one or two non-US-born caregivers were less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD (aOR = 0.58, p < .001; aOR = 0.59, p < .001, respectively). Likelihood of a diagnosis increased as non-US-born caregivers spent more time in the US. After a diagnosis, children of two non-US-born caregivers were less likely to be treated with medication. Conclusion: The lower likelihood of ADHD diagnosis in children with non-US-born caregivers may reflect an increasing need for public health education to raise awareness about ADHD among this population and the development of culturally sensitive ADHD identification methodologies.