Intelligence Quotient and Nutritional Status of 4–6 Year Old Children from Fishermen Community of Goa, India

Abstract

Infancy, upto the period of 6 years of age, is a crucial phase for cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Various factors related to health and nutrition can result in significant changes in cognitive abilities while the child is growing. The objective was to assess nutritional status and intelligence quotient of children from fisherman community. Thus healthy children(n=100) belonging to fishermen community in age group 4–6 years whose either parent's occupation was fishing were included from schools and communities across Goa. Assessment of intelligence quotient using Draw-a-man test was undertaken. Data on socio demography, anthropometry and dietary habits was also collected. Statistical analysis using chisquare, Pearson's correlation and t-test was performed. The mean IQ score among the children was (105.5± 11.6) under the moderate average IQ category. There was a significant association between occupation and education of the father and IQ (X2=14.5 p=0.02, X2= 23.9, p=0.02).The anthropometry of the children, height and MUAC had positive correlation with IQ (p=<0.05). The difference of means of Height, MUAC and foods (Soybean and Mackerel) with IQ scores were higher in moderate to above average IQ category. Increased consumption of soybean and fish correlated with better anthropometric measurements and higher IQ scores (p=<0.05). Factors such as socio demographic status of the parents, anthropometry, nutritional status and fish consumption affected the IQ of children.