Understanding Caregivers’ Awareness of ADHD in Children at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna State

Abstract

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting children’s attention, behaviour, and learning. In many low and middle income settings, caregivers often lack adequate awareness about ADHD, leading to delayed recognition, mislabeling of symptoms, and late presentation for care. This study aims to assess levels of awareness, knowledge, and misconceptions about ADHD among caregivers of children attending the Paediatrics and Paediatric Neurology clinics at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Kaduna State. A cross sectional survey design will be used to collect data from caregivers using semi structured questionnaires and, where applicable, brief structured interviews. Findings will inform the need for targeted health education, caregiver oriented counselling, and policy interventions to improve early identification and support for children with ADHD in this setting.

KEYWORDS: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), ,Caregiver awareness, Children with ADHD, Paediatric clinic, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Kaduna State, Knowledge and perception, Misconceptions, Health education.