This study examines the effect of race/ethnicity on: 1) attention deficit disorder without learning disability (ADD), 2) attention deficit disorder with learning disability (ADD+LD), and 3) learning disability without attention deficit disorder (LD). Methods: 1997-98 National Health Interview Survey provided data on socio-demographics, insurance, and parental reports of diagnosed ADD and LD for 8647 US children 6-11 yrs. Multinomial logistic regression estimated unadjusted (ORunadj) and adjusted (ORadj) odds ratios for race/ethnicity. Each ORadj controlled for low birthweight, insurance coverage, mother's education, and urban residence. Results: Prevalence was 3.25% for ADD, 3.47% for ADD+LD, and 4.18% for LD. Compared to white children, ADD was less frequently diagnosed in Hispanic (ORunadj=.34, p=.00) and black children (ORunadj=.32, p=.00). After controlling for other risk factors, ADD remained less likely in Hispanic (ORadj=.27, p=.00) and black children (ORadj=.22, p=.00). Compared to white children, ADD+LD was less frequently diagnosed in Hispanic children (ORunadj=.65, p=.04), but as frequently diagnosed in black as white children. After adjusting for other factors, ADD+LD was less likely in Hispanic (ORadj=.50, p=.00) and black (ORadj=.67, p=.15) children. Compared to white children, LD was more frequently diagnosed in black children (ORunadj=1.38, p=.12), but not in Hispanic children. Adjusting for related risk factors eliminated the higher risk of LD in black children (ORadj=.97, p=.88). Conclusion: The unexplained effect of race/ethnicity on diagnosed ADD and ADD+LD suggests the need to explore whether access to care, or attitudes of providers and parents account for the less frequent identification of these disorders in Hispanic and black children.
Learning Objectives: 1. To identify racial/ethnic differentials in diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder and Learning Disability 2. To explore socio-demographic factors associated with diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder and Learning Disability
Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.