310 - Exploring the Link Between Food Insecurity in Children and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):Insights from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH)

Poster Number: 310
Publication Number: 310.1104

Background: Food insecurity, defined by limited access to sufficient and nutritious food, is an escalating public health concern, while ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting an estimated 9.8% (almost 6 million) of U.S. children ages 3 to 17 years old. The study investigates the intricate association between food insecurity in children and ADHD utilizing data from the NSCH.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the potential link between food insecurity and the diagnosis of ADHD in children using data from the NSCH.

Design/Methods: We analyzed pooled data from the NSCH spanning two recent years (2020-21), representing children aged 0 to 17 in the United States. Bivariate analyses explored the unadjusted relationship between ADHD diagnosis, food insecurity , and sociodemographic variables. Logistic regression models, assessed the association between food insecurity on ADHD diagnosis, adjusting for factors like age, gender, sleep habits and socioeconomic status. Analysis accounted for the NSCH complex survey design.

Results: Among the 90,198 children surveyed, 8,992 children (9.7%) were diagnosed with ADHD. Of these, 4859 ( 53.7%) were treated with medications versus behavioral therapy. Approximately 10% of all respondents reported significant difficulties covering basic needs, such as food or housing, while 24% described their household's inability to afford the necessary food or the type of food they required. The adjusted logistic regression model identified a strong positive association between food insecurity and being diagnosed with ADHD (p < 0.001). The odds of being diagnosed with ADHD significantly increased as food insecurity intensified. Specifically, compared to children in food secure households, those facing moderate food insecurity ( could always afford enough to eat, but not always the right kinds of food) were 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.4-1.6) times as likely to receive the diagnosis, while those experiencing occasional food insufficiency had 2.2 (CI:2.0-2.5) times higher odds, and those in households often struggling to afford enough food, the odds increased to 2.8 times (CI: 2.1-3.7). ADHD diagnosis is associated with shorter sleep (p < 0.001), with diagnosed children sleeping 0.29 hours less a night. However, food insecurity retained a significant association with ADHD after adjusting for all covariates.

Conclusion(s): This study delves into the potential connection between hunger and the diagnosis of ADHD, and underscores the importance of considering food security as a fundamental element of a holistic approach to child mental health and overall well-being .