The purpose of this study is to explore whether sustained exposure to vehicular air pollution affects the behavior and activities of children. The prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was assessed in two childhood populations. In a cross-sectional study 969 school-going children (9-17 years) and 850 age- and sex-matched children from rural areas were assessed, following the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of conduct disorders (DSM-IV) of American Pediatric Association. Data of ambient particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 μm (PM 10) were obtained from Central Pollution Control Board and aerosol monitor. ADHD was found in 11.0% of urban children in contrast to 2.7% of the control group (p<0.001). Major risk factors were male gender, lower socioeconomic status, 12-14 year age group, and PM 10 level in breathing air. ADHD was more prevalent among boys both in urban and rural areas. It was prevalent among 18.0% of the boys enrolled in Delhi against 4.0% of the girls, giving a male/female ratio of 4.5:1. Inattentive type of ADHD was predominant followed by hyperactive-impulsive type and combined type of ADHD. Controlling potential confounder, ambient PM 10 level was positively correlated with ADHD (OR=2.07; 95% CI, 1.08-3.99). Conclusion: The results of this study point to a possible association between air pollution and behavioral problems in children. Though gender, socioeconomic status, and age play a very important factor in ADHD prevalence, the association is highest and strongest between particulate pollution and prevalence of ADHD. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.
CITATION STYLE
Siddique, S., Banerjee, M., Ray, M. R., & Lahiri, T. (2011). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children chronically exposed to high level of vehicular pollution. European Journal of Pediatrics, 170(7), 923–929. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-010-1379-0
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.