Indian Pediatr. 2013 Jul;50(7):655-8. doi: 10.1007/s13312-013-0197-7. Epub 2012 Dec 05.

Risk factors for scholastic backwardness in children.

Indian pediatrics

K Haneesh, P Krishnakumar, Sowmya K Sukumaran, A Riyaz

PMID: 23502665 DOI: 10.1007/s13312-013-0197-7

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

• Child
• Female
• Humans
• Learning Disabilities / etiology
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Socioeconomic Factors

Publication Types

• Journal Article