Supportive pediatric healthcare facilities for children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

This research investigates how architectural design can create supportive pediatric outpatient healthcare environments that enhance interaction and well-being among children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), their caregivers, and pediatric staff at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Children with ADHD are sensitive to environmental stimuli such as noise, light, congestion, and clutter, which significantly affect their behavior, attention, and emotional regulation. Despite this, many healthcare environments, especially in developing countries, focus on functionality rather than the psychological and sensory needs of pediatric patients. This study adopted the qualitative research approach using an observational checklist and semistructured interviews to assess both environmental and architectural factors within the pediatric outpatient facility. Three major themes emerged during thematic analysis of the collected data: sensory regulation and environmental comfort, spatial quality and organization, and supportive and inclusive design approaches. The results revealed that the current design of the facility exposes children to sensory overload, spatial congestion, and a lack of child-centered and inclusive design features. In contrast, much literature indicates that controlled lighting, acoustic insulation, biophilic elements, spatial zoning, and therapeutic play environments significantly improve children’s behavioral outcomes, emotional outcomes, and overall experience. It concludes that architecture plays a significant role in supporting the emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of children with ADHD and recommends the integration of sensory-sensitive, flexible and inclusive design interventions in pediatric outpatient facilities, specifically in lowresource healthcare settings. Keywords: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Pediatric Healthcare, Architecture, Sensory regulation, Inclusive design, Supportive environment.