Background: Armed conflict may affect child neurodevelopment through interconnected nutritional, socioeconomic, and psychosocial pathways. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms among Palestinian schoolchildren and identify associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 among Palestinian schoolchildren and their caregivers in the West Bank, representing varying levels of conflict exposure, displacement, and socioeconomic hardship. A total of 940 children were enrolled in the overall project. Data were collected through structured interviews, home visits, anthropometric assessment, and validated questionnaires. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the ADHD Rating Scale-V; food insecurity using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale; sleep quality using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire; and health-related quality of life using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.

Results: ADHD symptoms were highly prevalent, with 26.2% of children showing inattention and 34.0% showing hyperactivity/impulsivity. Food insecurity affected 39% of children and approximately 35–36% of households. A double burden of malnutrition was observed, with 9.4% undernourished and 44% overweight or obese. Dietary diversity was poor, with daily consumption of white bread (87.7%) and snacks (77.5%) and low consumption of protein-rich foods. ADHD symptoms were significantly associated with food insecurity, conflict-related socioeconomic disruption, and nutritional status. Food insecurity independently predicted both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, while nutritional status independently predicted hyperactivity/impulsivity. Poor sleep quality was associated with family job loss, food assistance, and socioeconomic and family factors.

Conclusions: Palestinian schoolchildren in conflict-affected settings experience a substantial interconnected burden of ADHD symptoms, food insecurity, malnutrition, poor dietary diversity, sleep difficulties, and reduced quality of life. ADHD symptoms were particularly prevalent and independently associated with food insecurity and nutritional status, highlighting the importance of considering the broader nutritional and social environment in child neurodevelopment.

Conference Title

Third Nutrition Pediatric conference

Conference Country

Qatar

Conference Date

Oct. 20, 2026 - Oct. 22, 2026

Conference Sponsor

University