Self-reported ADHD symptoms among pharmacy students: prevalence of positive ADHD symptom screening, academic correlates, and implications for educational support

Malaz J. Gazzaz, Mohammed M. Aldurdunji, Mohammad A. Alhazmi, Mohammed S. Alsubhi, Turky B. Bahhah, Ashraf N. Abdalla, Roaya S. Alqurashi, Alaa A. Khojah, Saad M. Wali

Introduction Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition that persists into adulthood and significantly impacts academic performance and quality of life. Despite growing recognition of adult ADHD globally, data on ADHD prevalence among pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia specifically remain scarce or not well characterized. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of positive ADHD symptom screening based on self-reported symptoms consistent with ADHD among pharmacy students at Umm Al-Qura University, examine associated demographic and academic factors, and assess students’ knowledge of ADHD pharmacotherapy. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among undergraduate pharmacy students at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, between November and December 2025. A total of 203 students participated, corresponding to a response rate of 18.2%. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) version 1.1 Screener was used to screen for symptoms consistent with ADHD. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and multivariable logistic regression were employed for data analysis. Results A total of 203 pharmacy students participated in the study (61.6% male, 38.4% female). The prevalence of positive ADHD symptom screening based on the ASRS version 1.1 Screener was 31.0% (n=63). Only 5.9% (n=12) reported having a formal ADHD diagnosis, while 29.1% (n=59) reported a personal belief that they might have undiagnosed ADHD (a subjective perception, distinct from screening or diagnostic criteria). No significant associations were found between ADHD screening status and gender, year of study, GPA, or daily study hours. However, students with higher GPA (>3.0) were significantly more likely to correctly identify methylphenidate as first-line ADHD treatment (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.22-5.34, p = 0.012). Conclusion A substantial proportion of pharmacy students screened positive for symptoms consistent with ADHD, yet the rate of self-reported prior diagnosis was low. These findings support the need for further evaluation of awareness and screening approaches in pharmacy education settings.