Authors' objectives: This study aims to estimate the ADHD and LD prevalence and review the situations, limitations and obstacles of ADHD and LD screening in primary schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC). The results of this study may be used to identify appropriate screening and treatment options and to conduct on economic evaluation of ADHD and LD in a forthcoming project.

Authors' recommendations: The recommendations from this study are as follows: 1) To develop a novel effective screening system because the ongoing system depends on the class teachers who may have less knowledge, fewer skills and no positive attitude regarding ADHD issues. In addition, we should evaluate this ongoing screening system in terms of effectiveness and appropriateness. Inevitably, these properties of the novel screening system must meet the needs of teachers and guardians based on country-specific contexts. After the screening process, a referral system should be coordinated with a higher number of health service centers for confirmation and monitoring. 2) To enhance the awareness among health managers and the public about the necessity of ADHD in primary school level in order to obtain a fair cooperation from children's guardians for diagnosis acceptance, care and treatment. 3) The Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand (RCPT) should specify a clear policy and guidelines regarding a responsibility frame and the clinical practice guidelines for general pediatricians and/or pediatric specialists. Moreover, the RCPT should promote the growth of academic knowledge in Thailand. 4) The Universal Coverage Scheme (UC) should consider the feasibility and appropriateness of motivating all health care levels to develop a diagnosis, treatment and monitoring system of ADHD. Furthermore, the UC should also closely coordinate with the Ministry of Education (MOE) at local, regional and national level on this issue. In conclusion, there should be an additional systematic research on screening and a referral system with the relevant stakeholders, including the MOE, the MOPH, the health centers, RCPT and other related organizations. This pivotal research will act as an explicit evidence for pushing this policy to be clear, systematic and suitable in real world practice of all related sectors.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2011

URL for published report: http://www.hitap.net/en/research/10593

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Thailand

Organisation Name: Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program

Contact Address: 6th Floor, 6th Building, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health Tiwanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand www.hitap.net

Contact Name: hitap@hitap.net

Contact Email: hitap@hitap.net

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