FC31-06 - Recurrent health issues and missed vaccines (immunization) affect the cognitive function in general public primary school children

Abstract

Objectives

The study was aimed to assess the relationship of general health and cognitive function of primary school children in Pakistan.

Method

Prospective observational study conducted in 2 state and 2 private schools in a small district.

Results

Two hundred children age 7-12 years class 3, 4 and 5 were assessed using McCarthy scale of child cognition. 11(5.5%) children stated missing some immunization whereas 15(7.5%) found to have recurrent health issues.

Healthy children demonstrated better verbal and linguistic skills. (Mean score 3.94 ± 0.85 vs 3.27 ± 1.03, P = 0.004).Similarly children receiving full immunization demonstrated better verbal and linguistic skills (score 3.91 ± 0.87 vs 3.18 ± 0.87, P = 0.01).

Mathematical ability was assessed by 3 tests and was scored 1–3. Children with no recurrent health issues demonstrated better mathematical ability (2.56±0.62 vs. 1.93± 0.70, P=< 0.000). Similarly children compliant with immunization demonstrated better mathematical ability (P = 0.02).

Reasoning in conversation was assessed on scale of 1-7. Immunization compliant group expressed better reasoning score (P = 0.03).There was no statistical difference between the group with recurrent health issues and the healthy group (P = 0.51).

Memory was assessed on a scale of 1–4. Better memory was observed in the immunization compliant group (P = 0.006) whereas no significant difference observed between the healthy group and the group with recurrent health issues (P = 0.51).

Gross movements were assessed on a scale of 1–5. The Immunisation compliant and the healthy group demonstrated better performance (P = 0.03 and 0.07) respectively.

Results

This study demonstrates that missing immunisation and recurrent health problems result in poor cognitive function and school performance.