Articles Vol. 67 No. 8 28/08/2026

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EATING DISORDERS IN CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung1,2, Duong Minh Tam1,2,3,4
1 Hanoi Medical University
2 Trường Đại học Y Hà Nội
3 Bach Mai Hospital
4 Bệnh viện Bạch Mai
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v67i8.6344
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Keywords
Eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Abstract

Objective: To identify factors associated with eating disorders in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 246 children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at Bach Mai Hospital and Vietnam National Children’s Hospital from November 1, 2025, to March 30, 2026.

Results: Eating disorders were identified in 17.9% of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Univariable analysis showed that eating disorders were associated with malnutrition, sensory processing disorders, psychiatric comorbidities, age at onset below 3 years, age at diagnosis of 7 years or older, and the combined clinical presentation. In the multivariable logistic regression model, age at onset below 3 years, age at diagnosis of 7 years or older, malnutrition, and psychiatric comorbidities were independent factors associated with eating disorders. Among these factors, malnutrition and delayed diagnosis showed the strongest associations.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that screening for eating-related problems should be integrated into the comprehensive assessment and management of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to facilitate early detection and timely intervention.

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