Association between Functioning and Dynamics in Families of Children with ADHD in Pakistani Context: Functioning and Dynamics in Families of Children with ADHD

Aatir H Rajput; Sajida Dahri; Fozia Baloch; Summaira Channa; Shahzad Ahmed; Moin Ahmed Ansari

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i3.2937

Authors

Aatir H Rajput Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Liaquat University of Medical Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7378-7487
Sajida Dahri Department of General Health Services, Government of Sindh, Karachi, Pakistan
Fozia Baloch Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Summaira Channa Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Liaquat University of Medical Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Shahzad Ahmed Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Moin Ahmed Ansari Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Liaquat University of Medical Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i3.2937

Keywords:

Family Dynamics, Parental Discord, Socioeconomic Factors, Family Functioning

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects multiple aspects of a child’s development, including family dynamics. Understanding the association between family functioning and ADHD can provide insights into its social determinants. Objectives: To evaluate family functioning and dynamics in families of children with ADHD and compare them with healthy controls. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Child Psychiatry Clinic, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad, from August 2024 to January 2025. A total of 120 participants (60 ADHD cases and 60 age-matched controls) were recruited using non-probability consecutive sampling. Family structure, socioeconomic status, parental employment, education, and family discord were assessed through structured interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Family dysfunction was significantly associated with nuclear family structure (39.2% vs. 88.9%, p=0.044), lower socio-economic status (41.2% vs. 11.1%, p=0.031), and maternal educational level (33.3% vs. 11.1%, p=0.038). Additionally, a history of parental/family discord was significantly more prevalent in families with dysfunction (52.9% vs. 11.1%, p=0.005). Conclusions: It was concluded that family discord is significantly associated with ADHD, highlighting the need for family-based interventions. Addressing family conflict may help improve outcomes for children with ADHD.

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