Maternal Immigrant/Native Status and the Development of ADHD Symptoms and ADHD Diagnosis in Their Children at age 9 years: A Longitudinal Study Open Access

Abdelmajid, Haram (Spring 2018)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/tx31qh74n?locale=en
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Abstract

As of 2016 there were 43.7 million legal and illegal immigrants living in the United States according to U. S Census Bureau, with an increasing number of immigrants every year, and increasing number of children born in immigrant families. Many of the immigrant families suffered negative life events, and many are living under stressful situations in the host country, which has a negative impact on their children’s psychological wellbeing and leads to higher risk of behavioral problems, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood that persists in adult life in 30 – 50 percent of cases, which significantly impacts their social and academic performance. In this study we are examining whether the mother’s immigrant/nativity status is associated with increased risk of developing ADHD symptoms and diagnosis in their 9-year-old children. This association was investigated by conducting a longitudinal study, using the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) data, a sample of 4898 families from large cities in the United States. In FFCWS, parents or caregivers were asked questions about their child’s behavior using Child Behavior Checklist scale. The results of the study showed that children born to immigrant mothers are less likely to be reported as having ADHD symptoms, and less likely to be diagnosed as having ADHD. Although the study showed protective effect of mother’s immigration on children’s risk of ADHD, this could be due to the attitudes and beliefs of some immigrants towards behavioral problems.

Table of Contents

Chapter I: Background and Literature Review 1

Chapter II: Manuscript……………………………………….5

Title, Author, Abstract………………………………………5

Introduction 6

Methods 8

Results 12

Discussion 14

Strengths and Limitations 15

References…………………………………………….16

  Tables……………………...…………………………..21

Chapter III: Summary and Future Directions…25

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