ADHD in Kenya and South Africa: genetic and clinical profiling in children
Official title: 3/3 Akili: Phenotypic and genetic characterization of ADHD in Kenya and South Africa
Funded at University of Cape Town · NIH-11372189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will enroll 6,000 children in Kenya and South Africa to collect detailed clinical data and DNA to better understand ADHD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cape Town NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rondebosch, South Africa) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $491,064 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132950-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372189 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 0-11 with ADHD or typical development matched for age and ancestry, in Kenya or South Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Children not meeting criteria or those who do not consent to genetic testing may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will recruit 4,000 children with ADHD and 2,000 similar-aged controls to gather comprehensive behavioral, cognitive, and medical information along with DNA samples. Researchers will perform exome sequencing and genome-wide genotyping to map genetic factors linked to ADHD and its heterogeneity. By sharing the data and materials publicly, the study aims to create a valuable, international resource to advance understanding and future research on ADHD in African populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could improve diagnosis and inform personalized approaches to ADHD care for children in Africa and beyond.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds on existing ADHD genetic work but adds a large, underrepresented African cohort to enhance discovery.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Donald, Kirsty — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Donald, Kirsty
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Biobehavioral validation of the ADHD emotion dysregulation phenotype
A study with children who have ADHD is testing how emotion regulation and thinking skills fit together to better understand why ADHD shows up differently in kids.
-
Hybrid school clinician training and ADHD/ODD program for Mexico
A school-based program to train clinicians and deliver a digital ADHD/ODD intervention in Mexican schools, helping children in real-world settings.
-
Hybrid school clinician training and ADHD/ODD intervention for schools in Mexico
A program that trains school clinicians and provides a digitally enhanced ADHD/ODD intervention to elementary-age students in Mexican schools to improve outcomes.
-
Nonstimulant-First vs Stimulant-First ADHD Treatment in Adults
This trial tests whether starting ADHD treatment with a nonstimulant medication works as well as starting with a stimulant for adults with ADHD.
-
Treating Adult ADHD Around the Clock: A Sleep-Focused Treatment Trial
A Duke-led study tests a care plan that uses a sleep-focused program, with or without CBT-based ADHD therapy, to help adults with ADHD sleep better and function more during the day.
-
Motivational Interviewing–Enhanced CBT for Adults with ADHD
A new program tests whether adding Motivational Interviewing to CBT helps adults with ADHD engage in treatment and improve daily functioning.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.