Associations between Caretakers’ Attitude, Caretakers’ Knowledge of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Child Patients’ Compliance to Take Methylphenidate (MPH)

Abstract

Objective :To determine whether there are significant associations between caretakers’ attitude, caretakers’ knowledge of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and child patients’ compliance to take methylphenidate (MPH). Another objective was to identify any factors that significantly associated with the compliance.

Method : A cross sectional comparative study was conducted at psychiatric out-patient unit at Buriram hospital. The sample consisted of both child patients and their caretakers who live with them. The participants were 180 ADHD children (<18 years old) who had been treated with methylphenidate (MPH) in adequate doses for at least 3 months and their caretakers’. Pill counts were used to measure patients’ compliance. Self report questionnaires were used to assess caretakers’ attitude toward ADHD, caretakers’ knowledge of ADHD and other participants’ demographic variables. Face to face interviews were used to assess caretakers’ insights about ADHD. Patients’ medical records were reviewed. For data analysis, logistic regression analysis was used to determine associated factors with the compliance.

Results :The average percentage of drug compliance was 92.7 which good compliance found 165 cases (91.7%), and poor compliance as 15 cases (8.3%). The most significantly factors associated with patients’ compliance was “no medical side effect” (Odds ratio=10.2, 95% CI=2.0-52.1, p=.005). Other factors associated with patients’ compliance included “take pills once a day” (Odds ratio =5.2, 95% CI=1.5-18.6, p=.010) and “single parents” (Odds ratio =4.1, 95% CI=1.2-14.4, p=.028).

Conclusions :The caretakers’ attitude toward ADHD or their knowledge of ADHD were not significantly associated with child patients’ compliance to take MPH. The factors significantly associated with compliance to take MPH were “no medical side effect”, “take pill once a day” and “single parents”.