Factors associated with treatmwnt pattern for very young children with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder

• Main Authors: Yi-Ting Lien, 連苡婷
• Other Authors: Chuan-Yu Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/ggm2tp

碩士 === 國立陽明大學 === 公共衛生研究所 === 100 === Objectives: Although the number of young children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been on the rise during the past decade, relatively little has known about treatment utilization. The present study investigated receipt status, mode, and continuity of treatment among young children who recently received the diagnosis of ADHD. Methods: Data for this study were derived from the 2001-2007 National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. A total of 4,060 newly diagnosed ADHD cases were identified and their healthcare utilization records were retrieved. Multinomial logistic regression analyses and Generalized Linear Model/Generalized Estimating Equation methods (GLM/GEE) used to examine individual and clinical factors associated with initial treatment mode and one-year treatment continuity. Results: Approximately 70% of ADHD children received initial treatment within two months of their first diagnosis. A total of 40% of children started ADHD treatment with a combined treatment, 24% of children started treatment with behavior therapy alone, and 7% of children started treatment with medication management only. With individual sociodemographic characteristics adjusted, receiving the initial diagnosis at higher level medical institution and from psychiatry specialty was associated higher likelihood of receiving behavioral or combined treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=9~219). Continuity of treatment was strongly affected by children’s comorbidity (aOR=1.6) and treatment factors (e.g. initial treatment mode). Conclusions: Our results provided the information about important factors determining initial receipt and continuity of treatment among young children. Future research should focus on priority setting for healthcare resources allocation and promotion of integrated, comprehensive and continuous healthcare for young children with mental problems.