ERIC Number: EJ822482
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1087-0547
EISSN: N/A
ADHD and Health Services Utilization in the National Health Interview Survey
Cuffe, Steven P.; Moore, Charity G.; McKeown, Robert
Journal of Attention Disorders, v12 n4 p330-340 2009
Objective: Describe the general health, comorbidities and health service use among U.S. children with ADHD. Method: The 2001 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) contained the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; used to determine probable ADHD), data on medical problems, overall health, and health care utilization. Results: Asthma was two and headaches were three times more prevalent, and overall health was significantly lower, among children with SDQ ADHD. Of children with SDQ ADHD, 45% saw a mental health professional in the past year and over half were not taking medication regularly. Urban residence, age (9-13), higher family education, having health insurance, and having comorbid emotional problems were associated with mental health care utilization in children with SDQ AD/HD, while race, gender and family income were not associated. Conclusions: Children with SDQ AD/HD had more medical problems and were more likely to visit the emergency room. Treatment data suggest a problem with under-treatment of ADHD in the United States. Interventions should be targeted in rural areas, and among families with low education and without health insurance. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Health Services, Emotional Problems, Family Income, Health Insurance, Child Health, Rural Areas, Access to Health Care, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Mental Health, Place of Residence, Urban Areas, Drug Therapy, Educational Attainment, Family Influence, Correlation, Racial Differences, Gender Differences, Diseases
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: National Health Interview Survey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A