Correlational Insights into Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Lebanon

Melyssa Assaf (), Melissa Rouphael, Sarah Bou Sader Nehme, Michel Soufia, Abbas Alameddine, Souheil Hallit, Marc Landry, Tania Bitar () and Walid Hleihel
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Melyssa Assaf: Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Melissa Rouphael: Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Sarah Bou Sader Nehme: Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Michel Soufia: School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Abbas Alameddine: North Autism Center (NAC), Zgharta 1304, Lebanon
Souheil Hallit: School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Marc Landry: CNRS, Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5293, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Tania Bitar: Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Walid Hleihel: Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 8, 1-14

Abstract: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a prevalent childhood neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology involving genetic and environmental factors, causes impairments across various life domains and substantial social and economic burden. Identifying correlates to prevent its onset and decrease its incidence is crucial. To our knowledge, our study represents the first case–control investigation of Lebanese ADHD patients to explore potential correlations between familial, maternal, and child health variables and ADHD to enhance understanding of its etiology and aid in prevention efforts. We recruited 61 Lebanese ADHD patients and 58 matched controls aged 6–24 years from all districts of Lebanon. The data to analyze were collected using a questionnaire. We employed statistical tests, including the independent samples t -test and the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the statistically significant factors explaining ADHD likelihood. We observed male predominance (68.9%) among patients. Maternal anemia during pregnancy (OR = 3.654; 95% CI [1.158–11.529]), maternal self-reported stress during pregnancy (OR = 3.268; 95% CI [1.263–8.456]), neonatal jaundice (OR = 5.020; 95% CI [1.438–17.532]), and familial history of ADHD (OR = 12.033; 95% CI [2.950–49.072]) were significantly associated with increased odds of the disorder. On the other hand, breastfeeding (OR = 0.263; 95% CI [0.092–0.757]) was identified as a protective factor against ADHD. This pilot study shed light on risk and protective factors associated with ADHD in the Lebanese population. The results are relevant, as some identified correlates could be avoidable. Further rigorous investigation is required to expand upon the observed correlations and to assist in early detection, prevention, and intervention strategies targeting ADHD.

Keywords: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; prenatal anemia; stress; neonatal jaundice; breastfeeding; familial ADHD history (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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