Co-existing symptoms and risk factors among African school children with hyperactivity-inattention symptoms in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

The aims of the study were to explore hyperactivity-inattention symptoms and co-existing symptoms of emotional and behavioural problems among African school children and their relationship with health status, socio-demographic factors, and school performance. Method: A case-control approach was used. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to explore the co-existing emotional and behavioural symptoms and a semi-structured interview with parents to explore the socio-demographic variables. The sample included 357 school children at the age of seven to nine years: 183 children were defined as cases, defined by abnormal scores on the SDQ hyperactivity-inattention scale (SDQ-HI) and 174 randomly selected children among those with normal scores on the SDQ-HI were defined as controls. No age and gender differences were noticed between the two groups. Results: A younger maternal age at childbirth, and poor school performances were more frequent among cases than controls. Three quarter of the hyperactive-inattentive children had co-existing symptoms according to SDQ, the most common being conduct problems. Conclusion: As in other cultures, co-existence of hyperactivity-inattention symptoms and emotional and behavioural problems was found in this African setting. Further validation of behavioural screening instruments in African children is called for.