Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or autism spectrum disorder and its relation to lifestyle in female college students

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its relation to lifestyle in female college students.

Subjects and methodsA total of 375 female college students (19.2 ± 1.3 years) among 439 students were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Using a self-reported questionnaire, we measured the prevalence of ADHD using the ADHD Self-Report Scale-v1.1 (ASRS) and the prevalence of ASD using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). In addition, lifestyle choices such as medications, physical activity, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and sleeping habits were also evaluated.

ResultsThe suspected prevalence of ADHD was 102 students (27.2 %) and the suspected prevalence of ASD was 4 students (1.1 %). Only one student (0.3 %) was thought to have both ADHD and ASD. Subjects with suspected ADHD had higher AQ scores compared with those without suspected ADHD. There were no unhealthy lifestyle choices in subjects with suspected ADHD and/or ASD.

ConclusionThe prevalence of suspected ADHD and/or ASD may be relatively high even among female college students in Japan.

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its relation to lifestyle in female college students.

Subjects and methods A total of 375 female college students (19.2 ± 1.3 years) among 439 students were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Using a self-reported questionnaire, we measured the prevalence of ADHD using the ADHD Self-Report Scale-v1.1 (ASRS) and the prevalence of ASD using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). In addition, lifestyle choices such as medications, physical activity, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and sleeping habits were also evaluated.

Results The suspected prevalence of ADHD was 102 students (27.2 %) and the suspected prevalence of ASD was 4 students (1.1 %). Only one student (0.3 %) was thought to have both ADHD and ASD. Subjects with suspected ADHD had higher AQ scores compared with those without suspected ADHD. There were no unhealthy lifestyle choices in subjects with suspected ADHD and/or ASD.

Conclusion The prevalence of suspected ADHD and/or ASD may be relatively high even among female college students in Japan.