Association between nutritional status and cognitive function scores of adolescent girls in underprivileged...

Optimal cognitive development in early life is crucial for academic achievement and long-term quality of life. However, there is limited and inconsistent evidence regarding its association with nutritional status, especially among underprivileged school-aged children and adolescent girls. This study aimed to assess the association between nutritional status and cognitive function among adolescent girls aged 11 to 17 years.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 372 adolescent girls from two schools in Takalar District between July and November 2024. Data collection included questionnaires, 24-h dietary recall, anthropometric measurements, and cognitive function assessments using the Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT). Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of cognitive function.

The mean age of participants was 14.0 ± 1.5 years. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and chronic energy deficiency (CED) was 18.0 , 11.3, and 19.9 %, respectively. Girls with CED and stunting had significantly lower cognitive scores than their counterparts (CED: 74.3 ± 13.8 vs. 78.8 ± 13.8; p<0.05; Stunting: 73.3 ± 12.6 vs. 79.0 ± 13.9; p<0.01). Regular intake of iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements was associated with higher cognitive scores (80.2 ± 13.1 vs. 77.0 ± 14.1; p<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that BMI-for-age z-score (β=3.419; p<0.01), IFA intake (β=4.054; p<0.05), and height-for-age z-score (β=0.652; p<0.01) were significant predictors of cognitive performance.

Nutritional status was significantly associated with cognitive function among adolescent girls in underprivileged communities. Targeted nutrition interventions may be critical in supporting cognitive development in this vulnerable population.