National estimates and factors associated with medication treatment for childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
In this study we identified child and family-level characteristics that were associated with medication treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using nationally representative survey data.

METHODS:
National Survey of Children's Health data from 79264 youth 4 to 17 years of age were used. Data were weighted to adjust for the complex survey design of the National Survey of Children's Health. Gender-specific logistic regression models were generated to identify child and family-level characteristics that were collectively associated with current medication status among youth with a reported diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

RESULTS:
Nationally, 7.8% of youth aged 4 to 17 years had a reported attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis, and 4.3% had both a disorder diagnosis and were currently taking medication for the disorder. Current medication treatment among youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was associated with white race, younger age, English spoken in the home, health care coverage, a health care contact within the last year, and reported psychological difficulties. Gender-specific logistic regression models revealed that, together, younger age, higher income, health care coverage, having psychological difficulties, and a health care contact in the past year were associated with medication use among boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Among girls with the disorder, younger age, psychological difficulties, fair-to-poor paternal mental health status, and a health care contact within the last year were collectively associated with current medication use. CONCLUSIONS. Regardless of gender, younger age, the presence of psychological difficulties, and a recent health care contact were significantly associated with medication treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, additional health care access and income variables among boys and paternal mental health status among girls represented gender-specific factors that were also associated with medication treatment for the disorder. Future studies should characterize how and when the burden associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder leads to treatment, support, or services for this prevalent and impairing neurobehavioral disorder.

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Author information

Author/s: Visser, Susanna N (SN); Lesesne, Catherine A (CA); Perou, Ruth (R);

Affiliation: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Mailstop E-88, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. svisser(-atsign-)cdc.gov

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Pediatrics (Pediatrics), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Feb; vol 119 Suppl 1 (issue ) : pp S99-106

Dates: Created 2007/02/02; Completed 2007/04/05;

PMID: 17272592, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Age Distribution
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; drug therapy; epidemiology
Central Nervous System Stimulants - therapeutic use
Child
Child, Preschool
Continental Population Groups - statistics & numerical data
Drug Utilization
Female
Health Care Surveys

Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Mental Health - statistics & numerical data
Multivariate Analysis
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Sex Distribution
Socioeconomic Factors
United States - epidemiology

Associated Chemicals: Central Nervous System Stimulants (0)

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