Knowledge, attitude, and behavior of elementary teachers regarding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder in child psychiatry, which has a greater impact on the future life of the children affected in case of being untreated and undiagnosed. Given the undeniable role of teachers in improving this disorder and preventing its destructive consequences on children, the present research has examined the knowledge, attitude, and practice of elementary school teachers regarding ADHD.

This was a descriptive, cross‑sectional study carried out in 2019. One hundred and twenty teachers were randomly selected as samples among public and private schools in three districts of Isfahan. Data were collected by a self‑administrated questionnaire including demographic variables, knowledge, attitude, and practice of teachers regarding ADHD and were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics. The Spearman’s and Kendall’ correlation coefficient, t‑test, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test were employed, and P < 0.50 was considered statistically significant.

The findings indicated that 65% of teachers had favorable knowledge toward ADHD, 50% of them had a favorable attitude, and 56% of their practice was desirable. The questionnaire showed that only their knowledge about ADHD symptoms was desirable, but their knowledge about cause of the disorder and its treatment was not sufficient. There was an inverse relationship between the knowledge, attitude, and practice of teachers with age, and between education and having a child, a significant direct relationship was discovered. Teachers of public schools compared to private school teachers had significantly better knowledge, attitude, and practice.

Teachers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding ADHD was relatively high. However, it is necessary to educate teachers about etiology and methods of treatment of this disorder and behavior management of these students, especially private school teachers who need more education.