Abstract
Aim: To explore the prevalence of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity (ADHD-like symptoms) at the ages of 7 and 18 and associated factors in a representative Greek population.
Methods: Information was derived from a population-based sample of 11,048 newborn infants, followed-up at 7 and 18 years, through questionnaire surveys. After applying a matching procedure, a data set of 2,695 individuals covering all the three time periods was compiled and used in this study. Pearson X2 test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to assess associations between ADHD-like symptoms and various perinatal and childhood factors.
Results: In childhood, the prevalence of hyperactivity was 7%, inattention 9.5 % and impulsivity 7%, while a substantial decline of these symptoms was observed at 18 years. The male to female ratio was 3 to 1. Adverse perinatal factors, poor academic performance, comorbidity, physical punishment and frequent report of accidents and conflicts with peers were found to be associated with ADHD-like symptoms at 7 years. The factors found to be associated with ADHD-like symptoms during adolescence were gender, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal stress and physical punishment during childhood.
Conclusion: The tracking of ADHD-like symptoms in the Greek population and the associated factors coincided with the international trends of this disorder.
Recommendations to decrease adverse perinatal outcomes, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal stress and physical punishment of the child should be evaluated in future longitudinal investigations.
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Palili, A., Veltsista, A., Vassi, I. et al. 41 Tracking of Adhd-Like Symptoms From Childhood to Adolescence in a Greek Birth Cohort and Associated Factors. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 24 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00041
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00041