Geographic Variation in the Prevalence of ADHD in Children 5 to 17
Abstract
In recent years there has been an increasing trend in ADHD among children ages 5-17. Various studies have examined factors contributing to these trends are ongoing, but one areas that has not been fully explored is the role of geography. This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence of ADHD by geography for children 5-17 using the 2023 Sample Child National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Bivariate and multivariate analyses of reported ADHD by region and rurality was conducted. Additional covariates related to family, mental health, and ACEs were included in the adjusted analysis. The population included 7,692 adult respondents reporting on children in the household. Approximately 11.34% of children were told they had ADHD by a doctor. This varied by geography with 7.8% Northeast, 12.7% Midwest, 13.9% South, and 8.2% West (p<0.001). Geographic differences were also noted with 9.4% among urban, 11.7% among semi-urban, 11.8% among semi-rural, and 13.7% rural (p=0.021). These findings were consistent when adjusting for additional covariates of interest. The odds of reporting ADHD were higher in the Midwest (AOR 1.66; 95% CI 1.11-2.47) and the South (AOR 2.81; 95% CI 1.89-4.16) relative to the Northeast. Level of rurality was not significant in the adjusted models. These findings suggest geographical differences in reported ADHD. The extent to which this reflects an increased risk within defined geographies or better access to healthcare leading to better diagnosis and treatment remans an important area of investigation.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 10:00 AM
Room Number
311
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Health
Faculty Mentor
Nathan Hale
Geographic Variation in the Prevalence of ADHD in Children 5 to 17
311
In recent years there has been an increasing trend in ADHD among children ages 5-17. Various studies have examined factors contributing to these trends are ongoing, but one areas that has not been fully explored is the role of geography. This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence of ADHD by geography for children 5-17 using the 2023 Sample Child National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Bivariate and multivariate analyses of reported ADHD by region and rurality was conducted. Additional covariates related to family, mental health, and ACEs were included in the adjusted analysis. The population included 7,692 adult respondents reporting on children in the household. Approximately 11.34% of children were told they had ADHD by a doctor. This varied by geography with 7.8% Northeast, 12.7% Midwest, 13.9% South, and 8.2% West (p<0.001). Geographic differences were also noted with 9.4% among urban, 11.7% among semi-urban, 11.8% among semi-rural, and 13.7% rural (p=0.021). These findings were consistent when adjusting for additional covariates of interest. The odds of reporting ADHD were higher in the Midwest (AOR 1.66; 95% CI 1.11-2.47) and the South (AOR 2.81; 95% CI 1.89-4.16) relative to the Northeast. Level of rurality was not significant in the adjusted models. These findings suggest geographical differences in reported ADHD. The extent to which this reflects an increased risk within defined geographies or better access to healthcare leading to better diagnosis and treatment remans an important area of investigation.