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Learning Difficulties and Working Memory Deficits among Primary School Students in Jakarta, Indonesia
Tjhin Wiguna1, Noorhana Setyawati Wr, Fransiska Kaligis
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Summary
Learning difficulties are common in Jakarta primary students, with many also experiencing working memory deficits. Early identification and support are crucial for academic success and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Educational Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Learning difficulties present diverse challenges for children.
- Working memory deficits are increasingly recognized as a significant factor in learning difficulties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of learning difficulties.
- To determine the comorbidity of learning difficulties with working memory deficits in Jakarta primary students.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional and case-control study involved 423 primary school students in Jakarta.
- Participants were selected using proportional random sampling from 27 schools.
- Students with learning difficulties and working memory deficits were compared to matched controls.
Main Results:
- 13.7% of students exhibited learning difficulties.
- 8.04% of students had learning difficulties comorbid with working memory deficits.
- The odds ratio for comorbid working memory deficit was 7.0 (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Learning difficulties and co-occurring working memory deficits are prevalent in primary school populations.
- Timely identification and intervention are essential for optimizing educational and mental health outcomes.
- Addressing working memory deficits can improve academic success for students with learning difficulties.
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