Application of a questionnaire for screening of attention deficit with hyperactivity disorder in children with academic underachievement

*Correspondence: [e-mail].

Abstract

Background: Attention-Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common situation in childhood, and is characterized by inattention, impulsivity and excessive motor activity, which impairs the neurocognitive development of the children. Thus, it is a problem that requires attention and care. Screening by trained professionals is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. One of the forms of diagnostic screening is the use of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham (SNAP-IV) questionnaire, which is an effective tool that measures symptoms of inattention and impulsivity. This condition is related to academic underachievement and without diagnosis and treatment, compromises human development of child.

Objective: To screen for ADHD diagnosis in a sample of children with academic underachievement, by applying the SNAP-IV questionnaire.

Methods: Cross-sectional observational and epidemiological study, conducted through of the evaluation of medical records and their respective score on SNAP-IV questionnaire of school-aged children, evaluated in a university hospital’s outpatient clinic of academic underachievement. The analyzed variables were age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and grade, and their correlation with the SNAP-IV score.

Results: 56 participants there were filled the SNAP-IV, 36 (66.1%) were male, the mean age was 8.7 years, and most was in 3rd and 4th grades. About 38 (67.9%) of the students had positive screening for ADHD diagnosis, with a high prevalence in boys. Overweight children had higher inattention values, while children with obesity had some ADHD diagnosis. Inattention remained relatively consistent, as well as hyperactivity declined over the school years, however there was no association between grade and ADHD.

Conclusion: ADHD was most common in males and with high frequency when compared with the literature. An association between ADHD diagnosis and overweight was identified, however there was no association with obesity, despite the high proportion of children with obesity in participants with ADHD disorder. This observation is a warning for early interventions since the treatment can decrease the impact of ADHD on weight gain.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2025