Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Prevalence and Case Control Study
Social & Scientific Systemsconducted an NIEHS population-based prevalence and case-control study of lead, pesticide exposure, and premature births in relation to ADHD in school children in Johnston County, North Carolina. The study was designed to enable investigation of specific subtypes of ADHD and risk factors using standardized criteria. Teachers were asked to evaluate children for potential ADD or ADHD symptoms using a standardized instrument. Parental consent for teacher evaluations was obtained for more than 6,100 children in Grades 1-5 over 2 academic school years (1997-98 and 1998-99). Using scores from the teacher assessments, a random sample of potential case and control children was selected for more detailed study. Telephone interviews were conducted and mail questionnaires sent to the parents of over 1,200 children in this sample.We arranged for a subsample of 50 children to receive a clinical assessment conducted by clinicians from the Department of Psychiatry of the University of North Carolina (UNC). We coordinated all study activities with the Johnston County Schools System, designed forms, conducted English and Spanish telephone interviews, translated materials into Spanish, traced hard-to-locate families, and edited and coded data.