RISK FACTORS FOR POOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN CHILDREN

Swarupa Panda, Arakhita Swain* and Saiprasanna Behera

ABSTRACT

Background: Poor academic performance leads to school dropouts especially in early school years hence shutting the door for education for the child. If recognized early, remedial measures can be taken up in the primary classes to obtain optimum benefit. Aim: To identify the risk factors for not performing well in school. Participants: All children between 5-14 years attending regular school and referred to Paediatric OPD for poor academic performance. Method: Participants were compared with candidates of same age and sex with good academic performance in order to find the risk factors for poor academic performance. Settings: Multicentric i.e. in three tertiary Hospitals in Eastern India. Results: There were 150 boys and 70 girls in study group. Among them 60 (27%) had mental retardation, 78 (36%) had borderline intelligence and 24 (11%) had microcephaly. Undernutrition was present in 72(33%) and 62(28%) had stunted growth. 56 (33%) children had a history of chronic medical problems. Visual, hearing and speech defects were present in 12 (6%), 10 (5%) and 24 (11%) children respectively. Educational level and employment status of the parents had statistically significant impact on poor academic performance. Conclusion: Social and family factors have a significant influence on academic functioning of children.

Keywords: Poor academic performance, Social and Family factors.