O-112 Prevalence and symptomatology of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder among undergraduate students at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine: a cross-sectional descriptive study
Author(s):
C Gooptar , C Compton , C Daniel , C Kanhai , C Leid , C Mitchell , C Ramdass , P Bahadursingh
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: To determine the proportion of undergraduates
with a formal ADHD diagnosis and those screening positive for possible undiagnosed ADHD using the WHO Adult
ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1); to analyze ADHD
symptomatology across faculties at the University of the
West Indies, St. Augustine (UWI); and to assess ADHD
medication use among students with and without diagnosis.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 374 undergraduates representing all UWI faculties. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire capturing demographics, ADHD diagnosis status, medication use, and ASRS-v1.1 responses. Symptom domains— inattention (Questions 1–9) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (Questions 10–18)—were analyzed. Responses of “Often” or ”Always” indicating symptom presence. Descriptive and inferential statistics assessed symptom burden and medication use patterns across faculties.
Results: Of 374 participants, 8.6% (n=32) reported a formal ADHD diagnosis, while 57.8% (n=216) screened positive for clinically significant symptoms. Social Sciences (FSS) had an average total symptom score (9.46) and the largest proportion meeting the clinical threshold (54.35%). Law (FOL) and Science and Technology (FST) showed symptom scores of 42.86% and 32.86%, respectively. Medical Sciences (FMS) recorded the lowest average total symptom score (5.45) and proportion of high-symptom students (18.85%). Inattention predominated in FSS and FST, while hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms predominated in FOL and Food and Agriculture (FFA). ADHD medication use occurred among both diagnosed and undiagnosed students, with non-prescribed stimulant use most common among males and students in FST and Engineering (FOE).
Conclusion: This study reveals substantial burden of possible undiagnosed ADHD and non-prescribed stimulant use among UWI undergraduates. Variations in symptom expression across faculties highlight absolute need for facultyspecific screening and support strategies, underscoring the importance of expanding accessible ADHD identification and intervention services within Caribbean tertiary institutions to improve academic outcomes and student well-being.