gms | German Medical Science

11. Jahrestagung 2004 der GAA

Gesellschaft für Arzneimittelforschung und Arzneimittelepidemiologie

30.09. bis 01.10.2004, Jena

Are children and youths with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) accident prone?

Meeting Abstract

  • corresponding author presenting/speaker E. Scharnetzky - Centre for Social Policy Research, Bremen University
  • W. Schill - Bremen Institute for Prevention Research and Social Medicine, Bremen University
  • G. Glaeske - Centre for Social Policy Research, Bremen University
  • K. Janhsen - Centre for Social Policy Research, Bremen University

Gesellschaft für Arzneimittelanwendungsforschung und Arzneimittelepidemiologie (GAA) e.V.. 11. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Arzneimittelforschung und Arzneimittelepidemiologie (GAA) e.V.. Jena, 30.09.-01.10.2004. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2004. Doc04gaa24

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/gaa2004/04gaa24.shtml

Published: September 30, 2004

© 2004 Scharnetzky et al.
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Outline

Text

Context

Injuries and poisonings are a significant health problem in children and youths causing many hospital admissions, long-lasting functional limitations and deaths. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is generally accepted to be associated with an increased risk of injury.

Aim of the Study

To determine rate ratios of hospital admissions for injuries and poisonings for children and youths with and without ADHD. To validate the use of stimulant prescription as an indicator for ADHD.

Material and Methods

A cohort study of 334.423 persons aged 6 to 18 years using records of a German statutory health insurance, Gmuender Ersatzkasse (GEK). The diagnosis ADHD was assigned if at least one stimulant prescription was registered during the study period from 2000 to 2002. Hospital admission rates for injuries and poisonings and rate ratios were calculated using a Poisson model. Stimulant prescription, age, period and region of residence were included in the model. Interactions between stimulant prescription and the other main variables were tested for significance. Hospital admissions with ADHD as a primary or secondary diagnosis were used to determine the sensitivity of stimulant prescription with respect to ADHD. Using a positive predictive value of 90% found in the literature, the prevalence of ADHD and the specificity of stimulant prescription were calculated.

Results

Injuries and poisonings caused 21,8% of all hospital admissions for boys in this cohort. The rate ratio for boys with compared to those without stimulant prescription was 1,40 (95% confidence interval 1,23-1,59). For head injuries the rate ratio was 1,79 (95% confidence interval 1,45-2,20). A significant interaction (p<0,01) was found for stimulant prescription and region. The sensitivity of stimulant prescription with respect to the diagnosis ADHD was 66,4% in boys and 50,5% in girls. The prevalence of ADHD was calculated to be 4,3% in boys and 1,3% in girls. The specificity of stimulant prescription in boys is 99,7% and in girls 99,9%.

Conclusions

Boys with a diagnosis of ADHD as indicated by stimulant prescription are admitted more frequently to hospital due to injuries and poisonings, especially injuries of the head. Preventive strategies should be included in the routine care of these children. The interaction between region of residence and stimulant prescription indicates that different standards of diagnosis and/or treatment of ADHD are implemented in different parts of Germany. Stimulant prescription is considered a valid indicator for ADHD with moderate sensitivity and high specificity.

No conflict of interest