Differences in frequency between administrative and parent-reported ADHD diagnosis data of children and adolescents taking sociodemographic characteristics into account – Results from the consortium project INTEGRATE-ADHD

Abstract

Background

In the project INTEGRATE-ADHD, administrative and parent-reported ADHD diagnosis data of children and adolescents were linked at person level for the first time in Germany. This contribution analyses discrepancies between the data sources, considering sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

Parents of 5,461 0- to 17-year-olds insured with the German statutory health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit in 2020, who had a confirmed administrative diagnosis of ADHD (ICD-10 F90.0-9) in at least one quarter (M1Q criterion), were surveyed online about their child’s ADHD diagnosis and other health and care-related topics. Using logistic regression, associations between the presence of a parental report of the child’s administrative ADHD diagnosis and sociodemographic predictors were analysed.

Results

71.6 % of parents reported their child’s administrative diagnosis of ADHD in the survey. The diagnosis was significantly less likely to be reported by parents of girls, younger children, children with a migration background and children from nuclear families with both biological parents. There were no differences with regard to parental education, urbanisation (urban/rural) or density of care. Bivariate findings were confirmed in the multivariable model.

Conclusions

Approximately one third of parents do not report their child’s administrative diagnosis of ADHD. The likelihood of parental reporting varies according to sociodemographic factors. This should be considered when contextualising the data sources in the future.