الفهرس 
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Abstract
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is characterized by combinations of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. Optimal nutrition is essential for brain development and its function as well as normal growth of children. Currently, there are many evidences that support the impact of nutrition on managing ADHD manifestations. Thus, pediatric nursess have an essential role in assessing the nutritional status of children with ADHD and provide guidance for meal planning and nutritional counseling.
Hence the aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The study was carried out in the Pediatric Neurological Disorder Outpatient Clinic of Smouha Specialized University Hospital in Alexandria and Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic at El-Hadara University Hospital in Alexandria. The subjects comprised a convenient sample of 120 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and their mothers.
Four tools were used in order to collect the necessary data for the study. The first tool was structured interview schedule which included characteristics of mothers and their children as well as medical history of children. The second tool was anthropometric measurements of the children sheet that involved weight, height, body Mass Index (BMI), mid-arm circumference and skin fold thickness. The third tool was health assessment observational sheet of the children which focused on inspection of general condition, face, hair, eyes, mouth, skin and nail condition. The last tool namely dietary pattern of children questionnaire sheet.
The main findings of this study showed the following:
• The age of nearly two thirds of children (67.5%) ranged from five to less than nine years and the highest frequency of children (69.2%) were males as well as 72.5% of children were in primary school.
• Approximately two third of children (65%) began treatment since less than one year. Seventy point eight percent of children received medication as a treatment of ADHD. The majority of children (90.0%) were committed to follow up of the disease and 27.5% of children received dietary supplements.
• Sixty three point three percent of children with ADHD encountered social problems and 77.5% of children had learning problems.
• The age of nearly three quarters of mothers (74.2%) ranged from 25 to less than 35 years old. It was also found that there was no consanguinity between three quarters of parents (74.2%). Only 14.2% of family had positive history regarding ADHD.
• The age of 62.5% of mothers was less than 25 years during pregnancy. Nearly one third of mothers (33.3%) had health problems during their pregnancy.
• It was found that 45% of children had normal weight for their age. One quarter of children (26.7%) were overweight, 22.5% of them were obese and 5.8% were underweight.
• It was found that 82.5% of children had normal height for their age. Whereas, the minority of them (4.2%) had short stature, and 13.3% were tall.
• Thirty six point six percent of children had normal BMI for age, 21.7% were overweight and 41.7% of them were obese.
• It was observed that the majority of children (90.8%) had dry, brittle hair and loss of hair brightness.
• All children’s face had skin discoloration, periorbital darkness and conjunctival pallor.
• Nearly half of children (49.2%) had dry, cracked lips and more than one quarter of them (26.7%) had dry lips, tooth decay and cracked lips.
• Most of children (98.3%) did not follow any dietary pattern. More than half of children (56.7%) consumed about three and more meals per day.
• Two third of children (65%) did not eat before leaving home and 87.5% of children received snacks between meals.
• The most frequently un-favorite food for children were 29.2% vegetables/ fruits, 19.2% meat/ chicken, 5.8% Rice/ Bread/ Pasta then 2.5% fish.
• Most of children (90.8%) preferred to eat while watching TV and three quarters of children (75.0%) got food while moving. Slightly more than half of children (54.2%) preferred to eat outside home and less than one third of them (30.8%) ate food from street vendors.
• Seventy nine point two percent of children received caffeine beverages as tea or coffee and 60% of them drink it after meal.
• Less than one third of mothers (30.8%) observed that there were certain food that trigger hyperactivity manifestations. These food included 7.4% orange, 6.7% sweets, 6.7% chips, 5% chocolate, 2.5% salty food and 2.5% Rice/ Bread /Pasta.
• Sixty two point five percent of children ate food rich in iron. In addition, 69.2% of children consumed food rich in zinc.
• It was clear that change in the appetite was found in 54.2% of children. Increased appetite was reported by 41.7% of children and 12.5% of them had decreased appetite.
• There was statistical significant difference between children’s level of education and their weight for age where P= 0.002.
• There was statistical significant difference between mother’s level of education, and their children weight for age p=0.026.
• There were statistical significant differences between mother’s age, their age at pregnancy and their children’s height for age P=0.005 and 0.000 respectively.
• There was statistical significant difference between children’s level of education and their body mass index for age P= 0.020.