Comorbidity of Learning Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Sample of Omani Schoolchildren
Objectives: The estimated worldwide prevalence of learning disorders (LDs) is approximately 2‒10% among school-aged children. LDs have variable clinical features and are often associated with other disorders. This study aimed to examine the comorbidity of LDs and attention deficit hyperactivity di...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Sultan Qaboos University
2015-11-01
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| Series: | Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://web.squ.edu.om/squmj/includes/tng/pub/tNG_download.asp?id=64a5d48c9e03bfa75ba53d6ee25e04df |
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| author | Watfa S. Al-Mamari Mahmoud M. Emam Amna M. Al-Futaisi Ali M. Kazem |
| author_facet | Watfa S. Al-Mamari Mahmoud M. Emam Amna M. Al-Futaisi Ali M. Kazem |
| author_sort | Watfa S. Al-Mamari |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Objectives: The estimated worldwide prevalence of learning disorders (LDs) is approximately 2‒10%
among school-aged children. LDs have variable clinical features and are often associated with other disorders.
This study aimed to examine the comorbidity of LDs and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among a
sample of schoolchildren in Oman. Methods: This study was conducted between January 2014 and January 2015 at
the Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. The Learning Disabilities Diagnostic Inventory (LDDI) and the 28-
item version of the Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale was completed by classroom teachers to determine the existence
of LD and ADHD symptoms in 321 children in grades 1‒4 who had been referred to a learning support unit for LDs
from elementary schools in Muscat. Results: The mean age of the students was 8.5 years. Among the cohort, 30%
were reported to have symptoms of ADHD, including conduct problems (24%), hyperactivity (24%) and inattentivepassive
behaviours (41%). Male students reportedly exhibited greater conduct problems and hyperactivity than
females. However, there were no gender differences noted between LDDI scores. Conclusion: This study suggests
that Omani schoolchildren with LDs are likely to exhibit signs of ADHD. The early identification of this disorder
is essential considering the chronic nature of ADHD. For interventional purposes, multidisciplinary teams are
recommended, including general and special educators, clinical psychologists, school counsellors, developmental
or experienced general paediatricians and child psychiatrists. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-14T19:06:09Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-1371e03fb25e41679bf4210d8a3c8ecb |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-051X 2075-0528 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-14T19:06:09Z |
| publishDate | 2015-11-01 |
| publisher | Sultan Qaboos University |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal |
| spelling | doaj.art-1371e03fb25e41679bf4210d8a3c8ecb2022-12-21T22:50:50ZengSultan Qaboos UniversitySultan Qaboos University Medical Journal2075-051X2075-05282015-11-01154e52853310.18295/squmj.2015.15.04.015Comorbidity of Learning Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Sample of Omani SchoolchildrenWatfa S. Al-Mamari0Mahmoud M. Emam1Amna M. Al-Futaisi2Ali M. Kazem3Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, OmanDepartment of Psychology, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, OmanDepartment of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, OmanDepartment of Psychology, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, OmanObjectives: The estimated worldwide prevalence of learning disorders (LDs) is approximately 2‒10% among school-aged children. LDs have variable clinical features and are often associated with other disorders. This study aimed to examine the comorbidity of LDs and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among a sample of schoolchildren in Oman. Methods: This study was conducted between January 2014 and January 2015 at the Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. The Learning Disabilities Diagnostic Inventory (LDDI) and the 28- item version of the Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale was completed by classroom teachers to determine the existence of LD and ADHD symptoms in 321 children in grades 1‒4 who had been referred to a learning support unit for LDs from elementary schools in Muscat. Results: The mean age of the students was 8.5 years. Among the cohort, 30% were reported to have symptoms of ADHD, including conduct problems (24%), hyperactivity (24%) and inattentivepassive behaviours (41%). Male students reportedly exhibited greater conduct problems and hyperactivity than females. However, there were no gender differences noted between LDDI scores. Conclusion: This study suggests that Omani schoolchildren with LDs are likely to exhibit signs of ADHD. The early identification of this disorder is essential considering the chronic nature of ADHD. For interventional purposes, multidisciplinary teams are recommended, including general and special educators, clinical psychologists, school counsellors, developmental or experienced general paediatricians and child psychiatrists.http://web.squ.edu.om/squmj/includes/tng/pub/tNG_download.asp?id=64a5d48c9e03bfa75ba53d6ee25e04dfLearning DisordersAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderComorbidityChildrenOman |
| spellingShingle | Watfa S. Al-Mamari Mahmoud M. Emam Amna M. Al-Futaisi Ali M. Kazem Comorbidity of Learning Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Sample of Omani Schoolchildren Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal Learning Disorders Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Comorbidity Children Oman |
| title | Comorbidity of Learning Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Sample of Omani Schoolchildren |
| title_full | Comorbidity of Learning Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Sample of Omani Schoolchildren |
| title_fullStr | Comorbidity of Learning Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Sample of Omani Schoolchildren |
| title_full_unstemmed | Comorbidity of Learning Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Sample of Omani Schoolchildren |
| title_short | Comorbidity of Learning Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Sample of Omani Schoolchildren |
| title_sort | comorbidity of learning disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a sample of omani schoolchildren |
| topic | Learning Disorders Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Comorbidity Children Oman |
| url | http://web.squ.edu.om/squmj/includes/tng/pub/tNG_download.asp?id=64a5d48c9e03bfa75ba53d6ee25e04df |
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