Exploring the Relationship between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Criminogenic Factors in a Kenyan Prison Population

Njoki Waruinge, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Candidate; Sylvia Tuikong, Ph.D.; and Caroline Ayuya, Ph.D., Daystar University

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and one of the most common mental disorders affecting children, but often persisting into adulthood. The disorder is considered a chronic and debilitating condition that is known to adversely impact the individual in many aspects of their life including daily functioning, interpersonal relationships, academic and occupational achievements. Some of the symptoms of ADHD expose the individual to behavioural and emotional challenges that may often be associated with negative outcomes, including crime. Global research has reported disproportionately higher rates of ADHD among youth and adult offenders across the criminal justice system. The disorder remains largely undiagnosed and untreated, more so amongst adults in general, and in prisoners in Kenya. This quasi-experimental study sought to investigate the criminogenic risk factors most associated with ADHD among an adult prison population aged 18-65 years, in Central Kenya. Data was obtained using a socio-demographic questionnaire from respondents (N=113) first screened for ADHD symptoms using Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist. Purposive sampling was applied to assign the participants into two groups: experimental (n = 52) and control (n = 61). With 95% confidence level and p-value of ≤ 0.05, descriptive and inferential analysis showed that ADHD among the inmates was statistically significantly associated with marital and educational circumstances, recidivism, and family environment. The study found a strong link between ADHD traits and criminogenic factors among male inmates in the selected Kenyan prisons, including self-control issues, antisocial behavioural traits, substance abuse, family difficulties, and educational challenges. It therefore recommends that ADHD should be accorded more attention in Kenya aimed at reducing incidences of criminal conviction and re-offending.

Keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, crime, criminogenic risk factors, inmates.