Effects of zinc supplementation on parent and teacher behaviour rating scores in low socioeconomic level Turkish primary school children.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of zinc supplementation on behaviour in low-income school aged children.


METHODS
Double-blind randomized, placebo controlled trial.


METHODS
Low-income district primary school in Turkey.


METHODS
Third grade students in the school. Among 252 students, 226 participated and 218 completed the study.


METHODS
Children in each class were randomized either to the study group to receive 15 mg/day elemental zinc syrup or to placebo group to receive the syrup without zinc for 10 weeks.


METHODS
The change in Conner's Rating Scales for Teachers and Parents scores after supplementation.


RESULTS
The mean Conner's Rating Scale for Parents scores on attention deficit, hyperactivity, oppositional behaviour and conduct disorder decreased significantly in the study and placebo groups after supplementation (p < 0.01). The prevalence of children with clinically significant parent ratings on attention deficit (p = 0.01) and hyperactivity (p = 0.004) decreased in the study group while prevalence of oppositional behaviour (p = 0.007) decreased in the placebo group. In children of mothers with low education all mean Parents' scores decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in the study group while only hyperactivity scores decreased in the placebo group (p < 0.01). In this subgroup the prevalence of children with clinically significant scores for attention deficit, hyperactivity and oppositional behaviour decreased only in the study group (p < 0.05). There was no change in mean Teachers' scores.


CONCLUSIONS
In our study zinc supplementation decreased the prevalence of children with clinically significant scores for attention deficit and hyperactivity. The affect on behaviour was more evident in the children of low educated mothers.
Uçkardeş
Yasemin
Y
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Başkent University, Ankara, Turkey.
Ozmert
Elif N
EN
Unal
Fatih
F
Yurdakök
Kadriye
K
D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004522:Educational Status; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011204:Poverty Areas; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D012574:Schools; D014421:Turkey; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency
D015032:Zinc