Attention deficit–hyperactivity symptoms among Palestinian children

We aimed to establish the prevalence and distribution of attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and other associated comorbid mental health problems in Palestinian schoolchildren Thus 349 children aged 6–15 years were randomly selected from 23 schools in Gaza and the West Bank and were rated by their parents and teachers using both the ADHD DSM-IV Checklist and the Strengths and the Difficulties Questionnaire, which also measures conduct and emotional problems. There was a significant agreement between parents and teachers, with 4.3% of the children rated above the established cut-off scores on both the parent and teacher DSM-IV Checklist. Male gender, family size and living in an area of socioeconomic deprivation were independently associated with ADHD symptoms.