Beyond the ADHD Diagnosis: Does the Insurance Rate, Mental Health Status in Parents, and Food Availability in the United States Impact or Predict the Prevalence of Diagnosis of ADHD in Children?

Authors

Kaitie Kudlac, WrightFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Advisor

Amber Todd

Abstract

More than 6 million children in the US have been diagnosed with ADHD in 2016 and many studies such as those performed through the National Survey of Children’s Health have seen those numbers climbing through 2017.¹ Prevalence of ADHD itself has increased by 42% over the past 8 years.² This study analyzed, through the use of public data available through County Health Ranking and data through the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health if the insurance status, mental health standing of parents, and food availability in the United States could impact or predict the diagnostic prevalence of ADHD in children. Through preliminary correlation and regression analysis, this study showed that only mental health distress in parents had a statistically significant on ADHD prevalence. Though insurance rate and free and reduced-price lunches did not have a significant effect their impact on ADHD prevalence needs further evaluation. This analysis will allow for future change in how we think about and analyze the diagnosis of ADHD and how treatment can be further than just pharmaceuticals and can address more of the social determinants of health.

Repository Citation

Kudlac, K. (2021). Beyond the ADHD Diagnosis: Does the Insurance Rate, Mental Health Status in Parents, and Food Availability in the United States Impact or Predict the Prevalence of Diagnosis of ADHD in Children?. Wright State University. Dayton, Ohio.