Abstract

ZAPATAZABALA, Maryoris E; ALVAREZURIBE, Martha C; AGUIRREACEVEDO, Daniel C  and  CADAVIDCASTRO, Martha A. Intelligence quotient and associated facts in children attending school in Medellin, Colombia. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2012, vol.14, n.4, pp.543-557. ISSN 0124-0064.

ObjectiveAnalyzing the IQ and associated factors in school children aged 6 to 8 years old from the northeastern and northwestern districts of Medellin, Colombia. Materials and MethodsSimple, random, stratified sampling was carried out according to grade, level and commune; the sample consisted of 423 male and female children. The Wechsler intelligence scale (WISCIV) was used for evaluating the children’s IQ and the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) for evaluating the children’s psychosocial stimulation/quality of their home environment. WHO cutoff points were used as reference standards for assessing their nutritional status. ResultsThe following risk factors explained IQ scores and rates: the parents’ academic problems, the siblings’ behavioral problems, the mothers’ alcoholism during pregnancy and aggressive behavior at home. ConclusionThe IQ scores and associated rates for children who attended early school years in the two poorest districts of Medellin were correlated with psychosocial background factors and aggressive behavior at home.

Keywords : Intelligence; intelligence test; psychosocial deprivation; risk factor; child.

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