Exploring ADHD understanding and stigma: Insights from an online survey in Lebanon.

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Public knowledge of ADHD plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes, reducing stigma, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals with this disease. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and stigma of the general Lebanese population regarding ADHD and identify potential factors associated with these variables.

Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2023 among adults from all Lebanese regions. The questionnaire was self-administered, available in Arabic and English, and included a sociodemographic section and the validated tools Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale (KADDS) and the ADHD Stigma Questionnaire (ASQ).

Results: A total of 647 participants were included. Most participants (n = 483 (74.7%)) lacked prior experience with individuals who have ADHD, and only 12.8% reported having good information about the condition. The participants had a mean knowledge score of 20.49 ±3.23 and a mean ADHD stigma score of 75.71 ±20.58. A significantly higher knowledge score was associated with a university level of education (B = 0.14, p < 0.001), older age (B = 0.14, p = 0.001), using the internet (B = 0.13, p = 0.001) and lecture (B = 0.09, p = 0.015) as a source of ADHD information, having a high monthly income (B = 0.13, p = 0.001), being female (B = 0.08, p = 0.030) and having a health coverage (B = 0.08, p = 0.025). Conversely, a lower knowledge was significantly associated with obtaining ADHD information from television (B = -0.13, p = 0.001) and family (B = -0.08, p = 0.043). A significantly lower score was associated with ever being diagnosed with ADHD (B = -0.18, p < 0.001), having an intermediate monthly income (B = -0.10, p = 0.005), and consuming alcohol (B = -0.11, p = 0.004), while a higher score was significantly associated with a higher KADDS total score (B = 0.12, p = 0.002) and being employed (B = 0.07, p = 0.044).

Conclusion: The present study addressed a gap in the existing literature by examining ADHD knowledge and stigma in the Lebanese population. Surprisingly, a positive correlation between higher ADHD knowledge and increased stigma challenges common assumptions, suggesting a complex relationship between knowledge, misconceptions, and societal attitudes. The findings emphasize the need for targeted education and advocacy to improve knowledge and alleviate misconceptions and stigma within the general population.