General practitioners' familiarity attitudes and practices with regard to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults
Date
2006-12
Authors
Louw, Charmaine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder affecting 4%
to 5% of South African children. Recent studies revealed that 30% to 70% of children
continue to experience problems related to ADHD in adulthood. Adults are becoming
increasingly more aware of adult ADHD as a result of public awareness campaigns
in the media. Their first line of action is to visit their family physician, but the question
arises whether these practitioners are ready to take on the patients with ADHD. The
aims of this study were to determine the familiarity, attitudes and practices of general
practitioners in South Africa with regard ADHD in both children and adults and
whether there are differences in children and adults with regard to depression and
generalised anxiety disorders as comorbid disorders. The study also briefly explored
the training models of general practitioners in South Africa. The research questions
are addressed by means of a survey approach, using quantitative measures. An email
message with a cover letter, explaining the purpose of the research project,
provided a link to a Web-based questionnaire. It was broadcast to 6704 general
practitioners on the database of the company MEDpages, who managed the
broadcast. A questionnaire attached to an e-mail message was sent to all
Departments of Family Health at universities in the country to obtain information with
regard to the training models of general practitioners. This was followed up with
structured telephone interviews if no response was received. The questionnaire was
completed by 229 respondents. The data were statistically analysed using Statistica
Version 7.0. The results revealed a significant need among general practitioners to
increase their knowledge base with regard to ADHD, more so with regard to adults.
Their knowledge and training with regard to depression and generalised anxiety
disorders were significantly more extensive with regard to adults as opposed to
children. Training with regard to ADHD in adults was almost non-existent. It was
recommended that the limited knowledge base of general practitioners with regard to
ADHD should be addressed by adapting the curriculum of undergraduate medical
students and providing opportunities for continued medical education that focus on
the diagnosis and management of ADHD in both children and adults. General
practitioners should acknowledge the educational psychologist as an equal partner
within a multi-disciplinary team
Description
Thesis (MEdPsych (Educational Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Educational psychology, Theses -- Educational psychology