"A Study To Assess The Knowledge Regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Mothers Of School Children In Nadathara Gramapanchayat, Thrissur"

Abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a most commonly diagnosed childhood developmental disorder. It is characterized by persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Understanding the level of knowledge about ADHD among mothers is crucial for prompting a supportive and inclusive environment for those affected by the disorder. Considering this fact, a descriptive study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge regarding ADHD among mothers of school age children in selected  Grama Panchayath Thrissur. The study also aimed to associate the level of knowledge regarding ADHD with their selected demographic variables. The samples were 60 mothers  of  school  children, selected through convenient sampling technique, who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data was collected using questionnaires regarding ADHD and demographic variables. The setting of the study was  ward XII,  XIII, XIV  Nadathara Gramapanchayath, Thrissur. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed that the majority 37(61.67%) had moderate knowledge, 12(20%) had adequate knowledge whereas 11(18.33%) had inadequate knowledge. Further  analysis showed that there was significant association between the level of knowledge of mothers of school children regarding ADHD with their selected demographic variables such as age of mother (20.27), occupation of mother (14.58) and source of knowledge (44.77) while all other demographic variables showed no association . This study concluded that majority were having moderate knowledge. The study helped the mothers acquire knowledge of ADHD through the information booklet that was distributed among the subjects.