Understanding ADHD in Children in Kenya and South Africa

1/3 Akili: Phenotypic and genetic characterization of ADHD in Kenya and South Africa

['FUNDING_R01'] · BROAD INSTITUTE, INC. · NIH-11111458

This project collects information and DNA from children with and without ADHD in Kenya and South Africa to better understand the condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBROAD INSTITUTE, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11111458 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project aims to learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by studying children in Kenya and South Africa. Researchers will gather detailed information about their behavior, thinking skills, and medical history, and also collect DNA samples. By comparing children with ADHD to those without it, the team hopes to uncover the biological reasons behind ADHD and how it varies among different groups. This information will help us understand the condition better and how it relates to other brain health issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children aged 0-11 years old, both with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD and those without the condition, living in Kenya or South Africa, would be ideal participants.

Not a fit: Patients outside the specified age range or geographic locations, or those not interested in contributing to genetic research, would not directly benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of ADHD, which may help develop better ways to identify and support children with the condition in the future.

How similar studies have performed: While genetic studies of ADHD exist, this project is unique in its large sample size and focus on diverse ancestral populations in Africa, addressing critical gaps in current research.

Where this research is happening

CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Affective Disorders, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.