Mobile phone an effective tool for management process of ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects children and adolescents and in some cases, can continue into adulthood. Children with ADHD have some difficulties in paying attention or concentrating, following directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act.Successfully management and behavior modification of this disorder depends on implementing anintegrated program of medical interventions and behavioral techniques. The master key for this purpose is Involving parents or care givers in this interventions. The aim of this study is comparing benefit gains of “mobile phones” as a management device for caring with “lecture” that is the traditional method for parent's education in this topic.

In this quasi- experimental design, 60 mothers who had a child whit ADHD and referred to Iranian Learning Disorders Centers, are randomly selected and regarding random allocation, these participants divided in two peer groups:(n=30). After running the pre-test that was based on knowledge and practice about ADHD and its management, one of the groups received educational comments from mobile phone and for the other group, lecture was held on. After 16 weeks, the investigators re- measured knowledge and level of applying of the trained techniques.

Although both training methods had a positive effect on upgrade of knowledge and management techniques for mothers, but using mobile phone as a learning supportive tool, had more efficacies. Mothers in “mobile learning” group, were successful to control the ADHD symptoms in their children than other mothers in “lecture” group.

Mobile phones are one of the most successful technologies for learning. It is feasible and easy to use. It provides greater feedback for educators and had a supportive role for learner. Thus use of mobile learning suggests for Learning Disorders Centers. Providing necessary basis like telecommunication equipment and perfect training content for learner is needed for attaining the goals.