DOES MOM’S JOB OR A CHILD’S GENDER MATTER? EXPLORING ADHD SYMPTOMS IN INDONESIAN PRE-SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the influence of maternal employment status and child gender on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms among preschool children enrolled in Aisyiyah kindergartens in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A quantitative approach with a comparative design was employed, involving 235 children (110 boys and 125 girls). Data were collected using the ADHD Rating Scale IV, completed by parents based on their observations of the child’s behavior over the past two weeks. Results from a two-way ANOVA revealed no significant main effects of maternal employment status (F(1,231) = 1.25; p = 0.265), child gender (F(1,231) = 2.30; p = 0.131), or their interaction (F(1,231) = 0.98; p = 0.322) on ADHD symptom scores. Further analysis using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test on a subgroup of 17 children identified as showing ADHD tendencies also found no significant differences based on gender (U = 23.0; Z = -0.524; p = 0.600) or maternal employment status (U = 26.0; Z = -0.262; p = 0.793). These findings suggest that demographic factors such as maternal employment and child gender are not significant predictors of ADHD symptoms in this population. The study highlights the need to explore broader ecological and cultural factors in understanding ADHD in early childhood.