Assessing Knowledge and Awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Sudanese Medical Students

TL;DR

This study found that Sudanese medical students have limited knowledge about ADHD, especially its management, and want more training in their curriculum.

Contribution

The study identifies a knowledge gap in ADHD management among Sudanese medical students and suggests curriculum improvements.

Findings

Most students learned about ADHD through their medical curriculum, but only 32.6% knew evidence-based management strategies.

Over 60% of students were dissatisfied with the amount of ADHD-related information in their psychiatry courses.

While 71.3% correctly identified ADHD symptoms, there was a notable lack of understanding about effective treatment approaches.

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of ADHD among medical students at a Sudanese university.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ahfad University for Women (AUW) from December 2019 to February 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 212 female medical students in their fifth and sixth years to assess their knowledge and awareness of ADHD.

Results: Out of the 212 students approached, 131 (61.8%) completed the questionnaire. Participants’ ages ranged from 23–25 years. Most students (64.2%, n=82) were familiar with ADHD through their medical curriculum. While 71.3% (n=93) correctly identified key symptoms of ADHD, only 32.6% (n=43) were aware of evidence-based management strategies. Additionally, 62.3% (n=82) expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of information provided in their psychiatry courses.

Conclusion: This study highlights a significant knowledge gap among medical students regarding ADHD, particularly in evidence-based management. The findings underscore the need for improvements in the psychiatry curriculum at Ahfad University for Women to better equip future doctors to address ADHD in clinical practice.