Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood psychiatric disorder. It frequently persists into adulthood and is a risk factor for other mental disorders and adverse outcomes, mainly if not managed optimally. This study aimed to assess ADHD treatment adherence and explore the underlying causes of non-adherence in ADHD children in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 221 participants. The survey included demographic characteristics of the child and parents, the child's medical history, quality of services evaluation, as well as medication adherence assessment by Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS), the general beliefs about medicines questionnaire (General-BMQ), in addition to assessing the parents' beliefs about ADHD and provided/recommended treatment.
Results: The sample was primarily 6 to 8-year-old children (32.81%) and males (78.52%). Most subjects were prescribed extended-release agents (45.7%), and overall, high-quality services were provided to the patients. The adherence rate of ADHD patients to their medication was 89.77%. The mother's education correlated significantly with patient adherence (p=0.029), and the mother's age correlated significantly with their beliefs (p=0.021), in addition to the family income (0.033). Children on Methylphenidate Immediate Release had good compliance with the medication (p=0.008). Moreover, Methylphenidate Extended Release has shown continuity results, increasing the adherence rates (p=0.035).
Conclusion: ADHD medication adherence was high and associated with older age, educational status, and type of medication used. Physicians should consider these factors to improve adherence in their patients.
Keywords: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; children; parents; treatment adherence.
© 2024 Alsubaie et al.