P-377 - Factors governing cognitive function of primary school children in pakistan

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to identify the factors governing cognitive function of primary school children in Pakistan. This was a prospective observational study conducted in 2 governments and 2 low class private public schools in a small district of Pakistan. Two hundred children (90 male, 110 female), age 7–12 years class 3, 4 and 5 were assessed using McCarthy scale of child cognition. Child health, immunization status/immunization compliance, play facilities, parental education, parental income, child parenting (mother/father/both/relatives), parent-child interaction time, family system (single/extended), family income were assessed against child cognitive function.Data was analysed using SPSS 18. Girls demonstrated better mathematical ability and memory (p < 0.05). 5.5% children may have missed/poor compliance with immunization. 1.5% children were parented by single mother, 3% with fathers and 0.5% were parented by with relatives. Better play facilities, compliance with immunization, parental education, parental income, a minimum of 3 hours interaction time had a positive impact on child cognitive function (all p < 0.05). Single family system was observed in 62%, extended family system 38% children. Extended family system was not associated with adverse child cognition (p > 0.05) Better health, play facilities, immunization, parental education, parental income, a minimum of 3 hours interaction time has a positive impact on child cognitive function. Overall girls demonstrated better cognitive skills compared to boys. Family system (single/extended) does not effect the child cognition and development in rural areas of Pakistan.