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Risk factors for scholastic backwardness in children
K Haneesh1, P Krishnakumar, Sowmya K Sukumaran
1Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Medical College, Calicut, India.
Aim:
To identify the risk factors for scholastic backwardness in children.
Participants:
Children in the 6-12 year age group attending regular schools and referred to the child guidance clinic for scholastic backwardness.
Setting:
Tertiary care hospital in South India.
Methods:
Participants were compared with an age-and sex- matched group of children with good academic performance, to ascertain risk factors for scholastic backwardness.
Results:
There were 75 boys and 35 girls in the study group. Among them 30 (27%) children had mental retardation, 39 (36%) had borderline intelligence and 12 (11%) had microcephaly. Undernutrition was noted in 36 (33%) children and 31 (28%) had stunted growth. 28 (26%) children had a history of chronic medical problems like epilepsy, bronchial asthma and congenital heart diseases. Visual, hearing and speech defects were present in 6 (6%), 5 (5%) and 12 (11%) children, respectively. Statistically significant differences were noted in the educational level and employment status of parents of children with scholastic backwardness and those with good academic performance.
Conclusions:
Social and family factors have a significant influence on the academic functioning of children.
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