Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109949

Anita Dempsey, RN, MSN, CNS¹, Christine Savage, RN, PhD², and R. Lee, RN, MSN, MPH². (1) Doctoral Student, The University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing, P.O. Box 210038, Cincinnati, OH 45221, 513-231-7789, adempsey@fuse.net, (2) University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing, 3110 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45221

PURPOSE: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) a chronic neurobiological disorder is a major public health concern. Less than 85 percent of adults with AD/HD are diagnosed; less than half diagnosed are receiving treatment Lack of public and professional knowledge and understanding of AD/HD is thought to play a significant role in under diagnosis and treatment. Little is known about AD/HD in the homeless. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of using the Adult Self-Report Scale-V1.1 (ASRS-V1-1) to estimate the prevalence and correlates of adult AD/HD in this homeless population.

METHODS AND FINDINGS: This is a secondary analysis from a larger study related to the effectiveness of a free nurse managed clinic for the homeless. Participants, recruited from those attending the clinic, completed a health status questionnaire which included the ASRS-V1.1 Screener. 8.7% had a total score of 4 or more indicating symptoms that may be consistent with adult AD/HD. 45.8% reported significant difficulty attending to details; 41.7% reported significant difficulty remembering; 39.1% reported significant feelings of being driven by a motor, 33.3% reported significant difficulty organizing; 26.1% reported significant fidgeting and 8.6% reported significant procrastination.

CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests the ASRS-V1-1 may be helpful in screening for symptoms of AD/HD in a homeless population. This screen may also be helpful in determining areas of functioning difficulty such as attending to details, organizing, memory and restlessness which may further impact the person's self care and follow through, placing them at greater health risk both mentally and physically.

Learning Objectives:

• List six indicators for initial screening of AD/HD.
• Articulate the procedure for screening for ADHD symptoms in a homeless population.

Keywords: Homeless Health Care, Mental Disorders

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.