Prevalence and association of anemia with low intelligence quotient in school-aged children at the pediatric outpatient clinic, Phrae Hospital
Abstract
Background: Slow learner who has low IQ levels can cause academic, emotional and behavioral problems which lead to economic and social issue. The causes may be from upbringing, environmental factors, or physical deficiencies such as anemia. Understanding the prevalence of anemia and its association with low IQ can aid in diagnosis and treatment for enhancing learning potential.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of anemia and its association with low IQ among school-aged children attending the pediatric outpatient clinic at Phrae Hospital.
Study design: This study is a Cross-Sectional Study with a retrospective review of medical records from January 2014 to December 2023. The study included 194 children aged 9–15 years who were suspected of having learning disabilities and intellectual impairment. Participants were categorized into two groups: those with normal IQ and those with low IQ. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Fisher’s exact probability tests and independent t-tests were conducted to compare differences between groups, while multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for association between anemia and low IQ.
Results: The prevalence of anemia was 18.60% and showed a tendency to increase the risk of low IQ, but the result was not statistically significant (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.45-6.00).
Conclusion: Anemia in school-aged children with low IQ had a higher prevalence than normal and showed a tendency to increase the risk of low IQ.
Keywords: IQ, Association, Anemia, Low Intelligence Quotient, School-Aged Children
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