ADHD Knowledge as a Barrier to Problem Recognition in Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander versus White College Students
Saved in:
| Title: | ADHD Knowledge as a Barrier to Problem Recognition in Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander versus White College Students |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Patrick K. Goh (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Attention Disorders. 2026 30(2):234-248. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Asian Americans, Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, College Students, Racial Differences, Ethnicity, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Knowledge Level, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Social Bias, Clinical Diagnosis |
| DOI: | 10.1177/10870547251389337 |
| ISSN: | 1087-0547 1557-1246 |
| Abstract: | Objective: The Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) population represents one of the fastest-growing racial /ethnic groups in the United States, yet members of this community are among the least likely to receive services for ADHD. Studies seeking to explain discrepancies between the need for and use of ADHD services in AA & NH/PI populations have highlighted decreased problem recognition as precluding access to services. We sought to investigate the roles of three previously proposed factors (i.e., perceived impairment, ADHD knowledge, and ADHD stigma) in explaining differences in ADHD problem recognition in AA & NH/PI versus White, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Multiracial/Multiethnic college students. Method: Participants were 1,451 college students aged 18 to 29 years (M=19.3, SD=1.64) who met self-reported symptom and impairment criteria for ADHD. They completed questionnaires assessing ADHD problem recognition, perceived impairment, ADHD knowledge, and ADHD stigma. Results: Compared to the White Group, the AA & NH/PI Group had significantly lower probability of endorsing the belief that they should be diagnosed with ADHD. The AA & NH/PI Group also reported lower levels of ADHD knowledge and increased levels of ADHD stigma and perceived impairment compared to the White Group. Increased ADHD knowledge was associated with greater likelihood of ADHD problem recognition. Examination of indirect effects suggested that differences in ADHD problem recognition between AA & NH/PI and White Groups were partially explained by differences in ADHD knowledge. Conclusion: Results highlighted the importance of clarifying mechanisms underlying ADHD-related service-use patterns in AA & NH/PI populations to better understand and address mental health needs. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1496101 |
| Database: | ERIC |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Objective: The Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) population represents one of the fastest-growing racial /ethnic groups in the United States, yet members of this community are among the least likely to receive services for ADHD. Studies seeking to explain discrepancies between the need for and use of ADHD services in AA & NH/PI populations have highlighted decreased problem recognition as precluding access to services. We sought to investigate the roles of three previously proposed factors (i.e., perceived impairment, ADHD knowledge, and ADHD stigma) in explaining differences in ADHD problem recognition in AA & NH/PI versus White, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Multiracial/Multiethnic college students. Method: Participants were 1,451 college students aged 18 to 29 years (M=19.3, SD=1.64) who met self-reported symptom and impairment criteria for ADHD. They completed questionnaires assessing ADHD problem recognition, perceived impairment, ADHD knowledge, and ADHD stigma. Results: Compared to the White Group, the AA & NH/PI Group had significantly lower probability of endorsing the belief that they should be diagnosed with ADHD. The AA & NH/PI Group also reported lower levels of ADHD knowledge and increased levels of ADHD stigma and perceived impairment compared to the White Group. Increased ADHD knowledge was associated with greater likelihood of ADHD problem recognition. Examination of indirect effects suggested that differences in ADHD problem recognition between AA & NH/PI and White Groups were partially explained by differences in ADHD knowledge. Conclusion: Results highlighted the importance of clarifying mechanisms underlying ADHD-related service-use patterns in AA & NH/PI populations to better understand and address mental health needs. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1087-0547 1557-1246 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/10870547251389337 |
