A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTENTION DEFICIT-HYPERACTIVITY DISORDERS AND SCREEN USAGE IN CHILDREN AGED 6–11

Abstract

Introduction 

Urbanization has led to lifestyle and educational changes in children, increasing psychological stress and screen use—both linked to a higher risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Globally, 3–5% of those under 19 and 2–16% of school-aged children are diagnosed with ADHD, with boys twice as likely as girls. This study compares the relationship between screen use and ADHD symptoms in urban and rural areas and explores gender as a potential risk factor.

Methods 

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 6–11-year-old primary school children in Ulaanbaatar, Orkhon, and Dornogovi using randomized sampling. ADHD symptoms were assessed via the SNAP-IV questionnaire through parent-reported surveys. Data were analyzed in SPSS (v26) using Pearson’s Chi-square test, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results
Children aged 6–11 participated in this study. Among the participants (n=510), 49% (n=250) were female and 51% (n=260) were male. The average age of participants was 8 years (SD = 1.39). ADHD symptoms were observed in 14.3% (n=73) of the participants: 3.9% (n=20) showed Inattentive, 5.7% (n=29) showed Hyperactive/Impulsive, and 4.7% (n=24) exhibited combined type, with males being predominant. The average daily screen time usage was 2.99 hours (SD=1.6). A significant correlation was found between smartphone usage and inattentive symptoms (p=0.001), as well as hyperactive symptoms (p=0.002). A negative correlation was observed between screen time and rural areas. 

Conclusion
The findings suggest that Hyperactive/Impulsive are more prevalent among males, potentially due to biological and social factors. Increased screen time usage in urban areas is associated with higher levels of Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive. These results underscore the need for screen time regulation and further research into the influence of living urban environments and technology use on ADHD development.