Factors related to cognitive function among elementary school children.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate cognitive functioning among elementary school children in Jordan.


METHODS
A total of 468 children aged 6-12 years were recruited to participate in this study. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the LOTCA battery (Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment; Itzkovich et al., 2000). Information obtained from the parents included demographics, work and income data and child's daily behavior and school achievement.


RESULTS
The results of this study showed that the cognitive functioning increased by 3.8 points for each increase in the child's GPA and increased by 2.35 points when the child ate breakfast regularly. By contrast, living in rural areas and smoking by a parent decreased cognitive functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding of the child's cognitive abilities is critical to establishing intervention goals and to planning therapeutic activities. Screening of cognitive abilities and associated factors is essential for a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the child's abilities and limitations. Further research is recommended to investigate other factors in different populations.
Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences , Jordan.
Fidaa
F
Almomani
Naomi
N
Josman
Murad O
MO
Al-Momani
Somayah H
SH
Malkawi
Mohammad
M
Nazzal
Khader A
KA
Almahdawi
Faten
F
Almomani
D000124:Achievement; D000367:Age Factors; D001722:Birth Order; D062408:Breakfast; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007597:Jordan; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods; D012424:Rural Population; D012907:Smoking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population