Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Risk Factors Assessment and Correlation with Symptomatology among Children in Al Dakahlya Governorate

Background Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily manifests during childhood, characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are inappropriate for the child's developmental level. Objectives to assess and investigates the relationship between sociodemographic factors, prenatal influences, and ADHD symptom severity among children in Al Dakahlya Governorate, Egypt. Methods This cross-sectional study included 375 children with ADHD in Al Dakahlya Governorate, data were collected using standardized questionnaires and diagnostic tools such as the DSM-V criteria and Conners’ Rating Scale. Results Significant correlations were found between ADHD severity and several factors, including socioeconomic status, parental education, paternal smoking, parental consanguinity, and maternal folic acid intake. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those with less educated parents exhibited more severe ADHD symptoms. Additionally, paternal smoking and parental consanguinity were associated with greater ADHD severity, while maternal folic acid intake showed a protective effect. Conclusion The findings underscore the importance of socioeconomic and prenatal factors in influencing ADHD symptomatology and highlight potential areas for public health interventions aimed at improving maternal nutrition and reducing exposure to harmful prenatal conditions.