Study of Factors Influencing Treatment Adherence in Childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood mental health disorder. Treatment has shown to improve both short and long-term prognosis. Hence, study of factors leading to nonadherence is undertaken. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to know the rate of nonadherence and factors affecting nonadherence. SETTING AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional follow-up study at child guidance clinic in a tertiary health care facility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty children with a diagnosis of ADHD initiated on treatment either combined or nonpharmacological were followed-up and checked for nonadherence. Factors leading on to nonadherence were assessed. STATISTICS: By SPSS 16.0 and Epi info. RESULTS: Rate of nonadherence was 62.5%. 75.7% of nonadherence contributed by social factors. Delivery by caesarean predicted nonadherence. Age of diagnosis and baseline severity did not have an effect on adherence. CONCLUSION: Rate of nonadherence to treatment was low compared to other Indian studies. Social factors mainly implicated for nonadherence. An effort for education and information of the society about ADHD is needed.