Prevalence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Incarcerated Male Adults in Selected Prisons in Kenya

Abstract

Previous studies on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in incarcerated adults have suggested a high prevalence. The disorder has often been associated with antisocial and criminal behaviors that may lead to incarceration. Studies have also suggested that the disorder is more common in males than in females. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of ADHD symptoms among incarcerated males aged 18 to 65 years in selected prisons in Kenya and to describe their sociodemographic characteristics. To do this a quasi-experimental research design was adopted, with a multi-stage and purposive sampling used to identify individuals meeting the characteristics associated with ADHD from five selected male prisons. This study utilized a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with participants being non-randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The sample size consisting of incarcerated male adults in Kenya was determined (N = 154), while various prevalence rates of ADHD symptoms in similar populations from previous studies were considered. Data was collected through the ASRS–v1.1 checklist, questionnaires, and interviews. The response rate for the study ranged from 68.2% to 93.3% across different stages of screening. The study found the indicative prevalence of ADHD symptoms to be 22.9% among the incarcerated male adults in the study, which falls within the range from similar studies. The results indicate a high prevalence of ADHD symptoms in Kenyan male prisoners, which is consistent with similar results in other countries. The association between ADHD and criminal activities in the Kenyan population should be further investigated.