Teachers’ Knowledge and Attitude toward Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Primary School Pupils in Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract

The study explored teachers‘ general knowledge of Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (knowledge about etiology, symptoms and
consequences). It also investigated teachers‘ attitude towards pupils that have
this disorder. Descriptive research design was utilized in the study with
proportionate sampling technique. The study participants were 324 primary
school teachers: Male (46.3 %) and female (53.7%). Two standardized
instruments were used for data collection (Knowledge of Attention Deficit
Disorders Scales (KADDS)) and Teachers Attitude towards Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder Questionnaire (TAADHDQ). Data collected were
subjected to frequency and percentages analysis. Results indicated that the
teachers had average general knowledge of the disorder among pupils.
(etiology (58.3%), symptoms (46.6 %) consequences (61.4%)) It also showed
that majority (77.2%) of teachers demonstrated positive attitude towards the
victims. The study recommended that teachers need more education on
disorders in pupils especially ADHD and its impact on student‘s well-being as
this understanding will help in providing prompt diagnosis, support and
accommodation of affected pupils