Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Underperception of Respiratory Compromise, and Illness Representations in Black and Latino Children With Asthma

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the associations between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, underperception of respiratory compromise, and illness representations in Black and Latino children with asthma. We hypothesized that increased child-reported ADHD symptoms, as well as parent reports for their child, would be associated with underperception of respiratory compromise, and maladaptive asthma beliefs. Methods: Two hundred ninety-six parent-child dyads were recruited from pediatric asthma and primary care clinics in the Bronx. Participants completed demographic questionnaires, the Conners-3 ADHD Index to measure ADHD symptoms, and the Asthma Illness Representation Scale to assess asthma beliefs. Perception of respiratory compromise was assessed by programmable electronic peak flow monitors that measured the child's subjective estimates of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and actual PEF, with underperception as the primary measure. Results: Child-reported ADHD symptoms were associated with greater underperception (β = .117, p = .049) of respiratory compromise. Parent-reported ADHD symptoms were associated with greater underperception (β = .129, p = .028) of respiratory compromise. Child-reported ADHD symptoms (β = -.188, p