Medical service utilization status and its influence factors in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in China: a nationwide multicenter cross-sectional study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) need constant access to medical resources. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), preference for clinic visits, and treatment in China. METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional study included children aged 6-12 along with their parents and head-teachers who filled in the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham scale version IV-Parent/Teacher scales and self-compiled questionnaires. RESULTS: In 12,376 children, 42.2% reported ADHD-related symptoms. A total of 23.6% of children with positive screening results visited a hospital. Parents chose to enhance discipline (68.8%), and seek assistance from doctors (55.7%), psychological consultants (55.3%), or teachers (33.4%). If their children had symptoms, 1732 parents would visit a clinic. Parents' low education level, sufficient knowledge, and choice to consult doctors, boys, and children in areas other than Northwest and Southwest China predicted more clinical service (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Over 70% of children with suspected ADHD had no clinical visit, and gender, parents' education level, disease awareness, and geographic region are influencing factors.
Source: BMC Pediatrics
Authors: Feiyong Jia, Yiwen Zhang, Caihui Cha, Li Chen, Yanhui Chen, Kangkang Chu, Shuanfeng Fang, Ying Han, Rong Li, Ping Shi, Binrang Yang, Jie Zhang, Hui Zhou, Xiaoyan Ke
Institutions: Jilin University, First Hospital of Jilin University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, Union Hospital, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Peking University First Hospital, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Tianjin Children's Hospital, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W4412027133