Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21464/mo.28.2.6
Teachers’ assessment of knowledge about the symptoms, etiology and treatment of ADHD
Sanja Skočić Mihić
orcid.org/0000-0001-6985-4213
; Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Rijeka, Croatia
Snježana Sekušak Galešev
orcid.org/0000-0002-7395-9744
; Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Selma Kehonjić
; Ivo Lola Ribar Elementary School, Labin, Croatia
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine (1) the teachers’ level of their perceived knowledge about ADHD and (2) the connection between the teachers’ perceived knowledge and their sociodemographic characteristics, characteristics of the school they are affiliated with and their self-assessment of their general knowledge about ADHD. The sample was convenient and included 233 teachers. We used the Questionnaire of Teachers’ Knowledge of ADHD with three factored structure: Symptoms, Etiology of ADHD and Treatment of ADHD, with the adequate internal consistency. Teachers are aware of the importance of the treatment for the academic and social outcomes of students with ADHD. They also recognize the symptoms of ADHD. Their knowledge of the etiology of ADHD is insufficient. There are misconceptions related to identifying the cause of ADHD in family stressful circumstances. The teachers’ assessment of their general knowledge of ADHD is connected to higher level of knowledge about the symptoms and treatment, and position of primary school teacher. Higher level of knowledge about the treatment is connected to lower age of the teachers. Implications of these findings point out to the importance of obtaining the relevant competences during the initial study of the teachers as well as during their further professional development. The importance of professional support provided by educational rehabilitators is also highlighted.
Keywords
knowledge; teachers; ADHD; symptoms; etiology; treatment
Hrčak ID:
271357
URI
Publication date:
25.1.2022.
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