Associations Between Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Traits and Sociodemographic Characteristics in Japanese Workers

PURPOSE: Most previous studies that described associations between adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sociodemographic characteristics were focused on individuals diagnosed with ADHD, and few studies investigated ADHD traits in the general population. Additionally, some workers, who experienced no problems while at university and successfully graduated from university, developed ADHD traits after finding employment. This study described associations between ADHD traits and sociodemographic characteristics among Japanese workers who were university graduates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants were randomly selected workers (n=1240) from across Japan who completed a self-administered online survey. ADHD traits were measured using an adult ADHD Self-report Scale, with scoring rules applied to reflect the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria. Information was collected on sociodemographic characteristics including sex, age, socioeconomic status, working time, and health-related behaviors. We performed partial correlation analysis to estimate trend associations and used analysis of covariance to compare adjusted averages. This model was adjusted for all variables. RESULTS: Males had higher levels of ADHD traits than females (p = 0.001), and younger age was associated with higher levels of ADHD traits (p < 0.001). Workers with low incomes had higher levels of ADHD traits than workers with high incomes (p = 0.009). More frequent consumption of midnight meals was associated with higher levels of ADHD traits (p < 0.001), although there were no differences for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Those who did not get enough rest from sleep had higher levels of ADHD traits (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Results for high levels of ADHD traits among workers were consistent with previous studies for adults diagnosed with ADHD, even though all participants had successfully graduated from university. Assessment of these ADHD traits may support prevention of health deterioration related to these ADHD traits.